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San Rafael · Building on your lot

Swimming pools in San Rafael

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

What San Rafael's code says

San Rafael code What San Rafael's code adds
Equipment and alarms
  • A 3-sided solid enclosure with baffles, or an equally effective measure, is required to reduce noise.
    Applies: Applies when a pump, filter or similar equipment is within 15 feet of a bedroom window on a neighboring lot.
    § 14.16.320 · code text
    If a pump or filter or any similar mechanical equipment, including new but not limited to transformers for electric vehicle charging stations and wind energy systems, is located within fifteen feet (15') of any bedroom window on an adjacent lot, a three (3) sided solid enclosure with baffles to screen the equipment from the bedroom, or equally effective measure(s), shall be provided to reduce noise impact.
Pool barrier
  • A private pool must be secured by an enclosure meeting Health and Safety Code 115923, plus state-required safety features.
    Applies: Applies to private swimming pools.
    § 12.265.020 · code text
    Every person who owns or is in possession of any land on which there is situated a private swimming pool shall secure the pool from unauthorized entry by an enclosure that meets all of the requirements of the Health and Safety Code 115923.
Setback from property lines
  • At least 5 feet from any property line.
    Applies: Applies to pool pumps, filters and similar equipment. Pools may not be in a front or street side yard setback.
    § 14.16.320 · code text
    No pump or filter installation, air conditioning unit or similar mechanical equipment, including new but not limited to transformers for electric vehicle charging stations and wind energy systems, shall be less than five feet (5') from any property line.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in San Rafael?

San Rafael's code: A private pool must be secured by an enclosure meeting Health and Safety Code 115923, plus state-required safety features. (Applies to private swimming pools.) (§ 12.265.020); At least 5 feet from any property line. (Applies to pool pumps, filters and similar equipment. Pools may not be in a front or street side yard setback.) (§ 14.16.320).

General information, not legal advice.

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San Rafael Municipal Code — full text