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.
Under San Mateo Building Code, prefabricated pools that are entirely above grade (not in-ground) and do not exceed 5,000 gallons in capacity are exempt from building permit requirements. However, all permanent pools — including above-ground — must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act fencing requirements (60-inch barrier). Larger above-ground pools (over 5,000 gallons) require a permit. Contact Building Division at (650) 522-7172 for specific situations.
Unpermitted pools: removal or retroactive permit with double fees. Safety violations: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500.
San Mateo, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Mateo County.
See how other cities in San Mateo County handle above-ground pools.
See how San Mateo's above-ground pools rules stack up against other locations.
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