Pool Permits: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do pool permits rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
Daly City and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
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.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
In unincorporated San Mateo County, building a swimming pool or spa requires a building permit and a boundary survey from the Planning and Building Department. Applicants submit plot plans, structural/plumbing/electrical and mechanical details, engineering and energy calculations, and pay building, plan-check and related fees.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes, for in-ground pools and spas | Yes - County building permit for pool/spa |
| 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 | - |
| Survey required | - | Yes - boundary survey for pools/pool houses/cabanas |
| Governing code | - | County Title 10 Building Regulations |
| Submittals | - | 3 sets plot plans + construction & engineering details |
| Fees | - | Building, plan-check, plumbing, electrical, filing, microfilm |
| Barrier rules | - | Set by CA state law (Pool Safety Act) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Which building code applies to my Daly City pool project?
The 2025 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Energy Codes apply to permits applied for on or after January 1, 2026, with Daly City amendments codified in Municipal Code Title 15 under Ordinance No. 1461.
Do I need plans with my pool permit application?
Daly City requires plans when a project needs a greater level of detail to demonstrate compliance with adopted codes and ordinances. Pool construction involves structural, plumbing, and electrical work, so contact the Building Division at (650) 991-8061 before applying.
South San Francisco FAQ
Do I need a permit for a pool in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Yes. The County Planning and Building Department requires a building permit for swimming pools and spas, plus a boundary survey because pools, pool houses and cabanas are listed as projects requiring a survey.
Does the County set the pool fence rules?
No. The County's published pool/spa permit materials do not specify barrier dimensions. Enclosure and drowning-prevention requirements come from California state law (Health & Safety Code 115922-115928), which applies when the building permit is issued.
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