Pool Barriers: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do pool barriers rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
All new and remodeled residential pools and spas in Daly City must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Section 115922, as amended by SB 442 / SB 552). The owner must install at least two of seven listed drowning-prevention safety features, one of which is an enclosure meeting HSC 115923 standards.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Pool barriers in San Mateo must comply with the California Building Code (Title 24 Chapter 31) and the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Barriers must be at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature is required.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Governing statute | Cal. Health and Safety Code 115922 (SB 442 / SB 552) | - |
| Features required | At least two of seven listed | - |
| Enclosure minimum height | 60 inches (5 feet) per HSC 115923 | - |
| Gate | Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward | - |
| Enforced at | Daly City Building Division final inspection | - |
| Minimum Height | - | 60 inches (5 feet) |
| Gate Latch | - | Self-closing, self-latching at 54 in |
| Additional Safety | - | One more feature required |
| State Law | - | CA H&S Code §§115920-115929 |
| Max Fence | - | 8 ft with building permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Does an existing Daly City pool have to add SB 442 safety features?
Existing pools without a remodel building permit are generally grandfathered, but any building permit for a pool/spa remodel triggers full compliance with the current two-feature requirement under HSC 115922.
Can I use a pool cover as one of my two safety features?
Yes - a manual or power-operated safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346-23 is one of the seven listed features under HSC 115922 and counts toward the required two.
San Mateo FAQ
How tall must a pool fence be in San Mateo?
At least 60 inches (5 feet) under the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act.
What additional safety feature do I need?
At least one: an approved safety cover, pool alarm, self-closing doors with alarms, or removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM standards.
Can I build an 8-foot pool fence?
Yes. San Mateo's fence ordinance allows up to 8 feet for pool barriers with a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require 50% openness above 6 feet.
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