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Burlingame · Building on your lot

Swimming pools in Burlingame

Burlingame's own rules on swimming pools, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Burlingame Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Burlingame's code says

Burlingame code What Burlingame's code adds
Pool barrier
  • A fence must fully enclose the pool, hot tub or spa, or the yard containing it, and be maintained.
    § 23.01.050 · code text
    A fence entirely enclosing the pool, hot tub or spa or yard containing it shall be erected and maintained.
  • At least 4 feet of space between the fence and the edge of the pool or spa.
    § 23.01.050 · code text
    A space at least four feet in width shall be provided between the line of the fence and the edge of the unit.
  • The fence must be built and approved before the pool or spa is filled.
    § 23.01.050 · code text
    Fencing is to be constructed and approved before filling the unit.
Barrier height
  • At least 4 feet 6 inches and no more than 6 feet high.
    § 23.01.050 · code text
    Such fence shall not be less than four feet six inches, nor more than six feet in height.
Gates
  • All gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch or lock at least 4 feet 6 inches above ground.
    § 23.01.050 · code text
    All gates must be self-closing and selflatching, and the latch or lock shall be located at least four feet six inches above the surface of the underlying ground or floor.
Permit
  • Yes: building permit plus needed electrical, plumbing, mechanical or other permits before installing or altering pool, hot tub or spa.
    § 23.01.020 · code text
    No person shall install, construct or alter any swimming pool, hot tub or spa without first obtaining a building permit and appropriate electrical, plumbing, mechanical or other permits from the building official.
Setback from property lines
  • At least 4 feet from side and rear property lines; not in the front setback.
    Applies: Pools, hot tubs and spas; a pool must also be at least 5 feet from any other structure.
    § 23.01.040 · code text
    There shall be a distance of at least four feet between any unit and any side or rear property line and at least five feet between a pool and any other structure.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Burlingame?

Burlingame's code: At least 4 feet 6 inches and no more than 6 feet high. (§ 23.01.050); At least 4 feet from side and rear property lines; not in the front setback. (Pools, hot tubs and spas; a pool must also be at least 5 feet from any other structure.) (§ 23.01.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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Burlingame Municipal Code — full text