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Palm Desert · Building on your lot

Swimming pools in Palm Desert

Palm Desert'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 Palm Desert Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Palm Desert's code says

Palm Desert code What Palm Desert's code adds
Equipment and alarms
  • Pool equipment at least 5 feet from property lines (2 feet with structural documentation), housed or screened from public view.
    Applies: Applies to private pools on residential lots.
    § 25.40.060 · code text
    With appropriate structural documentation, the minimum setback may be reduced to 2 feet from the property line.
Maintenance and empty pools
  • Pools must meet the Uniform Swimming Pool Code and not be hazardous, such as polluted, stagnant, smelly or insect-breeding water.
    § 8.70.130 · code text
    All swimming pools shall be maintained in accordance with applicable requirements of the Uniform Swimming Pool Code adopted by the city, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended.
Setback from property lines
  • The water's edge at least 5 feet from any property line; 2 feet with engineering proof of no surcharge.
    Applies: Applies to private pools on residential lots.
    § 25.40.060 · code text
    The water perimeter of the pool shall be no closer than 5 feet from any property line unless appropriate engineering documentation is provided which shows that the pool will not create a surcharge problem on structures at the property line.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Palm Desert?

Palm Desert's code: The water's edge at least 5 feet from any property line; 2 feet with engineering proof of no surcharge. (Applies to private pools on residential lots.) (§ 25.40.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Palm Desert's swimming pools rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Palm Desert Municipal Code — full text