Merced, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

A swimming pool in the City of Merced is regulated both as a building project under Title 17 (Buildings and Construction) and as an accessory use under the Zoning Code. Merced Municipal Code Section 20.28.020.D requires that swimming pools be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from all property lines, "unless otherwise allowed under the building code," and that "fences, barriers, and pool equipment storage areas for swimming pools shall be provided as required by the building code and state law." The City does not write its own separate pool-construction standards; instead, MMC Section 17.05.010 adopts the 2025 California Residential Code by reference, including Appendix CI, "Swimming Pool Safety Act." That appendix carries the drowning-prevention and barrier rules of the state Swimming Pool Safety Act into Merced's local code. A building permit, plan check, and inspections are administered by the Development Services Department (Building and Planning Divisions). Because the pool is not counted toward lot coverage, the main zoning constraints are the 5-foot setback and the corner/driveway vision triangles in Chapter 20.30. Applicants should confirm current permit fees with the Building Division, as the fee schedule is set administratively rather than fixed in the code.