Above-ground pools in Union City generally require building and related permits from the Building Division. The city's Building Permit Requirements handout exempts only prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep, so deeper above-ground pools need permits and must meet the state Pool Safety Act barrier standards.
Union City's Building Permit Requirements handout lists work that needs no building permit; for pools, the only exemption is prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep. An above-ground pool deeper than 24 inches therefore requires a building permit plus plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits. Because the city enforces the California Building Standards Code, an above-ground pool deep enough to be a covered pool must also meet the Swimming Pool Safety Act, which requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention features under Health and Safety Code 115922. Pool yard fences are also subject to the city's residential fence rules in Municipal Code 18.32.040, where fences over 7 feet require a building permit.
Installing an above-ground pool deeper than 24 inches without permits is a Building Division violation subject to stop-work orders and after-the-fact permitting and inspection. Pools lacking required safety barriers cannot pass inspection.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
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