How Daly City Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
Daly City maintains 50 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Daly City falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Pool Permits
Constructing, altering, or removing a swimming pool or permanent spa in Daly City requires a building permit from the Building Division under the California Building Code as adopted by Municipal Code Title 15; small prefabricated above-ground pools are the main exemption.
Key details: Permit required: Yes, for in-ground pools and spas. Exempt pools: Prefab, under 24 in deep, 5,000 gal. Pool plumbing unit fee: $179.00 each (FY 2025). Issuing office: Building Division, (650) 991-8061. Final approval: Safety feature inspection required first.
Work begun without a required permit is charged the standard fee plus a penalty under the Master Fee Schedule (Fee No. 3.96, Penalties for Work without a Permit), and the project cannot receive final approval until required safety features pass inspection (HSC Sec. 115922(c)).
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Daly City enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act through its building permit process: any new or remodeled residential pool or spa must include at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features, most commonly a 60-inch isolation enclosure with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Key details: Minimum enclosure height: 60 inches. Gate requirement: Self-closing, self-latching, latch 60+ inches. Ground clearance: 2 inches maximum. Gap limit: No openings passing a 4-inch sphere. Safety features required: At least 2 of 7.
The building official may not grant final approval for a permitted pool or remodel until the required drowning-prevention safety features pass inspection (HSC Sec. 115922(c)). Over-height or non-compliant fences are handled by Daly City Code Enforcement at (650) 991-8260.
The Bottom Line
Daly City's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Daly City is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Daly City's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.