Do you need a permit for a swimming pool in San Jose?
Yes. San Jose requires a permit for a swimming pool1.
On this page
Yes
San Jose's rule“The construction, installation, or modification of any pool or structure that contains water over 18 inches deep and that is intended for swimming or recreational bathing must obtain a building permit and adhere to safety regulations.”1
City of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE), Swimming Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs (intro)
Which permits you need
| Permit | Required when | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit | Yes | The construction, installation, or modification of any pool or structure that contains water over 18 inches deep and that is intended for swimming or recreational bathing must obtain a building permit and adhere to safety regulations.1 |
| Pool barrier permit | Enclosure min. 60 in high plus at least two more drowning-prevention features | New construction of swimming pools and spas OR remodels of swimming pools and spas on a single-family property must be completely enclosed by a fence, wall, or other durable enclosure and at least two more drowning-prevention features.1 |
Limits and conditions in San Jose's rule
Each limit sits next to the sentence it comes from; the conditions in that sentence are part of the rule.
| Rule | Value | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Pools exempt below this depth | 18 inches | The construction, installation, or modification of any pool or structure that contains water over 18 inches deep and that is intended for swimming or recreational bathing must obtain a building permit and adhere to safety regulations.1 |
Above-ground pools in San Jose
Depends on size or scope
San Jose's rule for above-ground pools“Swimming pools that are prefabricated, above-ground, less than 24 inches deep, and hold a maximum of 5,000 gallons and used only at a single-family property.”3
City of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE), OTHER EXEMPTIONS: Building projects that are exempt
| Rule | Value | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Pools exempt below this depth | 24 inches | Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.2 |
Zoning rules for above-ground pools, separate from the building permit:
| Zoning rule | Value | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Side and rear setback | 5 feet | Rear Yard Setback, all lots: 5 feet…1 |
| Lot coverage | 60% | Maximum coverage by structures of rear yard including a built-in pool: 60%…1 |
Zoning rules: separate from the building permit
A project can be exempt from one and still need the other (zoning vs building permits).
| Zoning rule | Value | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Side and rear setback | 5 feet | Rear Yard Setback, all lots: 5 feet…1 |
| Lot coverage | 60% | Maximum coverage by structures of rear yard including a built-in pool: 60%…1 |
Who can apply
- Licensed contractor recommended; owner-builders may apply1
Inspections
- Seven pool inspections (underground electrical, underground plumbing, pre-gunite, potting, pre-deck, pre-plaster, final)1 SJPermits.org or 408-535-35551
California law that applies
- State rules on which work needs a permit in California
- Homeowners doing their own work in California
- Contractor licensing in California
Who to ask
City of San José Planning, Building & Code Enforcement, Building Division4
Building permits
- Website
- sanjoseca.gov4
- Apply online
- sjpermits.org4
- Phone
- (408) 535-35554
- [email protected]4
- Address
- Development Services Permit Center, San José City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St., 1st Floor, San José, CA 951135
- Hours
- Counter: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1-5 p.m.; Wed 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1-5 p.m.; phone M-F 7am-4pm5
- Inspections
- SJPermits.org or 408-535-35554
Pool permit rules in other cities
Rules differ from city to city. Compare San Jose with 19 other cities on the national swimming pool permit guide, or go straight to one:
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Columbus, OH
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Philadelphia, PA
- Austin, TX
Sources
- Swimming Pools, Spas & Hot TubsCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated April 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Draft Ordinance amending Title 24 (Technical Codes) of the San José Municipal Code (Council Agenda 10/28/2025, Item…City of San José, City Council (Legistar)Published October 16, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- When Is a Building Permit Required?City of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated June 12, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Building DivisionCity of San José, Planning, Building & Code Enforcement (PBCE), Building DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
- Development Services Permit CenterCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Checked November 7, 2026