Daly City, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

When Daly City issues a building permit for a new or remodeled swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, Cal. Health and Safety Code Sec. 115922(a) requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features, such as an enclosure isolating the pool from the home, removable mesh fencing, an approved safety pool cover, exit alarms on doors with direct pool access, or a self-closing, self-latching door device. An enclosure must meet HSC Sec. 115923: access gates open away from the pool and self-latch with the release at least 60 inches above the ground, minimum height of 60 inches, no more than 2 inches of clearance to the ground, no gaps that pass a 4-inch sphere, and an outside surface free of climbable handholds or footholds.

Under the city's separate fence standards (Daly City Municipal Code Sec. 020, summarized in the city's Fences and Retaining Walls guide), ordinary fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards do not need a building permit, but a fence serving as a pool enclosure is inspected as part of the pool permit. Daly City applies these rules through the 2025 California Building and Residential Codes adopted by Municipal Code Title 15 (Ordinance No. 1461), effective January 1, 2026.