Pool Fence Code Checklist for San Diego

Source: see the sources cited on this page · Last updated: October 17, 2026 · Prices are public ranges or declared permit values, not quotes.

Plain-English summary, not legal advice. Official text wins: HSC §115922 · HSC §115923 · City of San Diego IB 712. Last checked October 17, 2026.

Step 1: Does the law apply to you?

• ☐ You're getting a building permit for a new pool or spa, or remodeling one, at a single-family home → the Swimming Pool Safety Act applies (HSC §115922).
• ☐ Then at least 2 of the 7 drowning-prevention features are required (two since Jan 1, 2018 under SB 442).

Step 2: Pick at least 2 of these 7

1. ☐ An enclosure that isolates the pool from the house (specs in Step 3) — HSC §115923
2. ☐ A removable mesh fence meeting ASTM F2286, with a self-closing, self-latching gate that can take a key lock
3. ☐ An approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346
4. ☐ Exit alarms on house doors and windows that open to the pool area
5. ☐ A self-closing, self-latching device on house doors to the pool, with the release at least 54 inches above the floor
6. ☐ A pool alarm meeting ASTM F2208 (wearable alarms don't count)
7. ☐ Another means at least as protective, verified by an approved testing lab

Source: HSC §115922. SB 552 refined which combinations count from Jan 1, 2025; confirm your pair with the inspector.

Step 3: If you choose a fence (enclosure), check every line

• ☐ At least 60 inches tall
• ☐ No more than 2 inches of clearance from the ground to the bottom
• ☐ No gaps or openings a 4-inch sphere can pass through
• ☐ No handholds or footholds on the outside a child could climb
• ☐ Gates open away from the pool, self-close and self-latch, with the latch at least 60 inches high

Source: HSC §115923.

Step 4: Show it on your San Diego permit

• ☐ City of San Diego: the site plan shows every barrier's location and height, gate swing, and which gates self-close and self-latch — City of San Diego IB 712
• ☐ Unincorporated County: use PDS form 379
• ☐ Other cities: ask your city building department for its pool barrier handout

Step 5: Before final inspection

• ☐ Barrier installed and gates tested (they close and latch from any open position)
• ☐ Alarms or covers installed and working, if they're one of your two
• ☐ Nothing stacked near the fence that a child could climb

In 2026 City permits, a fence permit followed a pool permit on the same parcel after a median of 87 days (n=9 parcels, a small sample). Ordering the barrier early avoids holding up final inspection.

Prices: removable mesh $15–$35/ft, aluminum $30–$60/ft, glass $90–$500/ft installed (national ranges). See the cost table.