Safety Rules: Daly City vs Redwood City
How do safety rules rules compare between Daly City, CA and Redwood City, CA?
Redwood City has fewer restrictions than Daly City.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Under California Health & Safety Code §115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act / SB 442), every new or remodeled swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home in Daly City must be equipped with AT LEAST TWO of seven approved drowning prevention safety features. Daly City Building Division verifies compliance at final inspection. The required features include: a HSC §115923-compliant enclosure, ASTM F2286 removable mesh fencing, an ASTM F1346-23 safety pool cover, exit alarms on doors/windows providing pool access, self-closing/self-latching devices on access doors (release at 54+ inches), an ASTM F2208 water-entry alarm, or other approved equivalent protection.
View full Daly City rules →Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
New pools in Redwood City require a building permit. Pools must meet California Swimming Pool Safety Act requirements. Anti-entrapment drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Act) are required on all pools.
View full Redwood City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | Redwood City |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Cal. HSC §115922 (SB 442, 2018) | - |
| Minimum features | 2 of 7 enumerated | - |
| Applies to | New construction & remodels at single-family homes | - |
| Cover standard | ASTM F1346-23 | - |
| Alarm standard | ASTM F2208 (water entry); doors UL 2017-compliant | - |
| Building Permit | - | Required for new pools |
| Drain Safety | - | Virginia Graeme Baker Act — required |
| Equipment | - | Permit and inspection required |
| Contact | - | Building Division (650) 780-7350 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Does SB 442 apply to apartment or HOA pools?
No — HSC §115921(a) limits the Act to private single-family home pools. Public/multifamily pools are regulated separately under HSC §116025 et seq. and California Building Code Chapter 31B.
Does pool remodeling trigger SB 442?
Yes. Per HSC §115921(d), any pool building permit issued for remodeling (replastering, equipment replacement requiring permit, etc.) triggers the two-feature requirement.
Redwood City FAQ
What pool safety equipment is required in Redwood City?
New pools in Redwood City require a building permit. Pools must meet California Swimming Pool Safety Act requirements. Anti-entrapment drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Act) are required on all pools.
Do I need a permit for my swimming pool in Redwood City?
Building Permit: Required for new pools. Drain Safety: Virginia Graeme Baker Act — required. Equipment: Permit and inspection required. Contact: Building Division (650) 780-7350.
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