Fresno / Central Valley at a Glance
Two of Seven: How the State Rule Reads in Fresno
Fresno follows the state Swimming Pool Safety Act, Health and Safety Code (HSC) sections 115920 to 115929. When a permit is issued for a new pool or spa, or a remodel, at a single-family home, HSC 115922 requires any two of these:
- An isolation enclosure built to HSC 115923
- Removable mesh fencing to ASTM International (ASTM) standard F2286, with a self-closing, self-latching gate that can be key-locked
- A safety pool cover labeled to ASTM F1346-23
- Exit alarms on the doors and windows that lead straight to the pool
- Self-closing, self-latching devices on those doors, with the release no lower than 54 inches
- A pool alarm certified to ASTM F2208
- A lab-verified alternative that protects at least as well
The Act does not make a fence mandatory. If you do use an enclosure, HSC 115923 sets it at 60 inches or more, with a gap of no more than 2 inches at the ground and gates that swing away from the pool and latch at 60 inches or higher.
The City of Fresno's consumer notice for pool contractors restates these rules and adds the timing: the enclosure, fencing, self-closing devices, exit alarms, safety glazing and gate hardware must be in place, inspected and approved before the pool is plastered or filled.
Permits and Setbacks in the City of Fresno
Pool permits in the City of Fresno go through the Development and Resource Management Department (DARM). Two city rules shape where the pool and its barrier go:
- Setbacks. Under Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) 15-2005, pools, spas and related features cannot sit in front or street-side yards and must be at least 5 feet from interior side and rear property lines (city planning page).
- Water use. FMC 6-520(a)(16) limits draining a pool to once every three years, except for structural repairs or public health. A separate exemption lets you fill a new or refurbished pool outside the normal watering schedule.
Unincorporated Fresno County pools are permitted by the county. Ask the county's Development Services Division whether it adds a perimeter fence rule to the state Act.
Fresno Area: Who Sets the Rule
| Area | What we verified |
|---|---|
| City of Fresno | State two-of-seven rule, city setbacks, and the barrier approved before plaster or fill. Permits through DARM. |
| Clovis | Separate city with its own building department. Ask it which local rules apply on top of the state Act. |
| Unincorporated Fresno County | Permitted by the county. We could not confirm a current county barrier rule, so ask before you design. |
Pool Fence Cost in Fresno: National Ranges
We found no published source that prices pool fences by state or city, so these are national installed ranges from our pool fence cost guide. Quotes where you live can land above or below them.
| Material | Installed, per linear foot | Full breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Removable mesh | $15 to $35 | Mesh fence cost |
| Aluminum | $30 to $60 | Aluminum fence cost |
| Vinyl / PVC | $20 to $45 | Vinyl fence cost |
| Tempered glass | $90 to $500 | Glass fence cost |
National typical installed ranges, not quotes. Multiply by your fence perimeter. Some sources include one gate in the figure; extra gates, permits and hard deck surfaces add to the total. Sources: HomeGuide (Feb 3, 2026), Life Saver Pool Fence (Aug 5 and Sep 23, 2026) and Pool Guard USA (May 20, 2025). Full source list and method: pool fence cost guide. Reviewed September 2026.
Sources
Every rule on this page traces to one of these. We link the primary source so you can check it yourself.
- City of Fresno, Consumer Notice: Residential Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs (state features and inspection before plaster or fill)
- City of Fresno, Single Family Homes planning page (FMC 15-2005) (pool setbacks)
- City of Fresno Water Conservation Program, Exemption Requests (FMC 6-520) (draining and filling rules)
- California Health and Safety Code 115922 (which features count and when)
- California Health and Safety Code 115923 (the 60-inch enclosure specification)
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresno Pool Fencing: Pick Your Two, Then Pass Before Fill
Fresno leaves the choice of features to you. Pick your pair at the design stage and make sure it is a pair the state accepts; a safety cover with a pool alarm, for example, does not count as two.
The timing matters more than most people expect: the barrier, alarms and hardware are inspected before plaster or water goes in. Place the pool inside the city setbacks from the start.
Full state guide: California Pool Fence Requirements, the statewide law, all regions, and complete details.