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🏊 Swimming Pools & Spas/Above-Ground Pools

Above-Ground Pools: San Mateo vs South San Francisco

How do above-ground pools rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?

San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.

San Mateo, CA

San Mateo County

Some Restrictions

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.

View full San Mateo rules β†’

South San Francisco, CA

San Mateo County

Some Restrictions

Above-ground pools over 18 inches in depth in South San Francisco require a building permit and must meet California pool safety fencing requirements. Temporary inflatable pools under 18 inches are generally exempt.

View full South San Francisco rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactSan MateoSouth San Francisco
Prefab Above-Grade (<5,000 gal)Exempt from permit-
Larger Above-Ground PoolsBuilding permit required-
Fencing60-inch barrier required for all permanent pools60-inch barrier required for permanent pools
ContactBuilding Division (650) 522-7172Building Division (650) 829-6670
Permit-Required for pools over 18 inches deep
Temporary Inflatable-Under 18 inches generally exempt

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

San Mateo FAQ

Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool in San Mateo?

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.

What are the rules for above-ground pools in San Mateo?

Prefab Above-Grade (<5,000 gal): Exempt from permit. Larger Above-Ground Pools: Building permit required. Fencing: 60-inch barrier required for all permanent pools. Contact: Building Division (650) 522-7172.

South San Francisco FAQ

Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool in South San Francisco?

Above-ground pools over 18 inches in depth in South San Francisco require a building permit and must meet California pool safety fencing requirements. Temporary inflatable pools under 18 inches are generally exempt.

What are the rules for above-ground pools in South San Francisco?

Permit: Required for pools over 18 inches deep. Fencing: 60-inch barrier required for permanent pools. Temporary Inflatable: Under 18 inches generally exempt. Contact: Building Division (650) 829-6670.

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