San Mateo County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in San Mateo County, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes - County building permit for pool/spa
- Survey required
- Yes - boundary survey for pools/pool houses/cabanas
- Governing code
- County Title 10 Building Regulations
- Submittals
- 3 sets plot plans + construction & engineering details
- Fees
- Building, plan-check, plumbing, electrical, filing, microfilm
- Barrier rules
- Set by CA state law (Pool Safety Act)
Summary
In unincorporated San Mateo County, building a swimming pool or spa requires a building permit and a boundary survey from the Planning and Building Department. Applicants submit plot plans, structural/plumbing/electrical and mechanical details, engineering and energy calculations, and pay building, plan-check and related fees.
115922. (a) Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home. (2) Removable mesh fencing that meets the ASTM International F2286 standard in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching a
Full Breakdown
If you live in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County (not inside a city like the City of San Mateo, Redwood City or Daly City), pool and spa construction is regulated by the County's Planning and Building Department. The County's building regulations are codified under Title 10 of the County Ordinance Code, which adopts the California Building Standards Codes together with the Uniform Swimming Pool-Spa and Hot Tub Code. The County's 'Pool or Spa Permit' page directs applicants to submit an application that identifies the property and provides three sets of plot plans showing the property, proposed pool or spa, and mechanical equipment, plus construction details covering foundation, structure, plumbing, mechanical and electrical work, along with engineering data (calculations and geotechnical reports) and energy calculation data.
Because swimming pools, pool houses and cabanas are listed among the projects that require a survey, a boundary survey is also needed so the County can verify property lines and setbacks. Fees include building, planning, plumbing, electrical, plan-check, filing and microfilm charges, with amounts set on the County's fee schedule. The County does not publish its own pool-barrier dimensions; instead, drowning-prevention and enclosure requirements are governed by California state law (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) at permit issuance.
Violations & Fines
Building a pool or spa without the required permit, survey or inspections can result in stop-work orders, code-enforcement action, and the requirement to obtain permits retroactively (often at higher cost) or remove unpermitted work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a pool in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Does the County set the pool fence rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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