Santa Monica pools must comply with the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929). At least two safety features required. SMMC §8.12.150 requires 5 ft barriers for all water bodies 18+ inches deep. VGB Act drain compliance mandatory.
Under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (adopted by Santa Monica), new or remodeled private pools require at least two drowning prevention safety features selected from: pool enclosure with 60-inch minimum height, gates opening away from pool with self-latching devices at 60 inches, maximum 2-inch ground clearance, no openings over 4 inches; removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286; power/manual safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346-91; exit alarms on doors/windows with direct pool access. The enclosure must not be readily climbable by small children (no horizontal/diagonal members serving as a ladder). Pools in residential districts are restricted to resident and guest use only. A 3-foot open passageway must be maintained between the pool and property lines.
Non-compliance with the Swimming Pool Safety Act may result in permit denial, stop-work orders, and fines. Existing non-compliant pools may be required to retrofit.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle safety rules.
See how Santa Monica's safety rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.