Swimming Pools & Spas in San Mateo, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Swimming pools in San Mateo require building, electrical, and plumbing permits. Plans must verify proper setbacks per the zoning code. Pool barriers must comply with the Swimming Pool Safety Act. The Building Division reviews pool applications at 650-522-7200.
San Mateo Swimming Pool Permits
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115922 (Pool Building Permit Final Inspection)
115922. (a) Except as provided in Section 115925, [...] when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features [...] (b) Prior to the issuance of fina...
Fencing Requirements
San Mateo pools must comply with CA H&S §115920: minimum 60-inch (5 ft) barrier, self-closing/self-latching gates, ground clearance under 2 inches, no gaps over 4 inches. Two additional drowning prevention features required.
City of San Mateo Swimming Pool Fencing
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115923 (Swimming Pool Enclosure Requirements)
115923. An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: (a) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. (b) A minimum height of 60 inches. (c) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches. (d) Gaps or voids, if ...
Safety Rules
New pools in San Mateo require a building permit. Setbacks: 4 ft from property lines (single-family), 5 ft from structures. Prefab above-grade pools under 5,000 gallons are exempt from permit. Anti-entrapment drains required.
City of San Mateo Swimming Pool Safety Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act — Drowning Prevention)
115922. (a) Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning preven...
Above-Ground Pools
Prefabricated above-ground pools with walls entirely above grade and under 5,000 gallons are exempt from building permit requirements in San Mateo. All other pools require permits and must meet safety act fencing requirements.
City of San Mateo Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act — Definitions including Aboveground)
115921. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) "Swimming pool" or "pool" means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. "Swimming pool" includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools. (b) "Public swimmi...
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in San Mateo require building and electrical permits. The same barrier and safety feature requirements as swimming pools apply under the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 may substitute for the barrier requirement.
San Mateo Hot Tub & Spa Regulations
Some RestrictionsCA Health and Safety Code §§ 115921–115922 — Swimming Pool Safety Act
115921. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Swimming pool” or “pool” means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. “Swimming pool” includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools. (b) “Public swimmi...
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in San Mateo County →