Swimming Pools & Spas in Marin County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Marin County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Marin County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Pool Permits

Construction of a swimming pool in unincorporated Marin County requires a building permit issued by the Community Development Agency Building and Safety Division, which enforces the adopted California Building, Plumbing, Electrical, and Energy Codes.

Building Permit Required for Swimming Pools

Some Restrictions

Marin County Code § 19.04.055

Every permit issued by the building official under the provisions of this chapter shall expire by limitation and become null and void, if the building or work authorized by such permit has not substantially commenced within one year from the date of such permit. All permits shall expire... if the building or work authorized by such permit is not completed within two years from the date of such ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Private swimming pools in unincorporated Marin County must comply with the California Building Code pool barrier requirements; Marin's Chapter 19.12 governs decorative pools, ponds, and other artificially created bodies of water that are not intended for swimming.

Pool Fencing Requirements (Unincorporated Marin)

Some Restrictions

Marin County Code § 19.12.020

Every person who owns or is in possession of any premises on which there is situated a decorative pool, fish pond, or any outside body of water created by artificial means, any portion of which is eighteen inches deep or more, shall maintain... a fence, wall, or other structure, not less than five feet in height with no openings, except doors or gates, with an area greater than fifty square inc...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Swimming Pools & Spas by City in Marin County

1 cities in Marin County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

San RafaelPop. 58,994

2 verified rules • Fencing & Safety Requirements, Pool Permits

All Marin County ordinances

See every category we cover for Marin County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Marin County Ordinance Hub →