Swimming pool rules in Manhattan Beach, California
Pools and hot tubs are allowed in Manhattan Beach and may go in the required rear or side yard, but the pool and its equipment must stay at least 5 feet from every property line (unless the equipment is fully enclosed). All pools and hot tubs must be fenced under the city's building code, and a building permit is needed.
| What counts as a pool or hot tub | Water-filled enclosure 18 inches deep or more [1] |
| Setback for pool, hot tub and equipment | 5 ft from any property line [2] |
| Location | May occupy required rear or side yard [2] |
| Equipment closer than 5 ft | Only inside a solid-roofed, solid-walled enclosure with no openings within 5 ft of the line [3] |
| Fencing | Required for all pools and hot tubs (Title 9, Ch. 48) [4] |
| Coastal development permit | Generally exempt for an existing single-family home [5] |
What the code covers
The zoning code treats a swimming pool or hot tub as any water-filled enclosure 18 inches deep or more used for swimming or recreation [1]. That covers in-ground pools, above-ground pools and spas that deep. A swimming pool is also a "structure" under the code's definitions.
Where it can go
A pool or hot tub and its related equipment may occupy a required rear or side yard, but may not be within 5 feet of a property line [2]. The one exception is equipment (or a pool or spa) housed inside a structure with a solid roof and solid walls and no openings within 5 feet of the property lines, which may be placed closer [3]. Mechanical equipment can't be placed beyond the front building line of the house, so pool pumps and heaters belong at the side or rear.
Decks over 30 inches high can't be in a required yard, which matters for raised pool decks.
Fencing
All pools and hot tubs must be fenced as required by Title 9, Chapter 48 of the Municipal Code [4]. That chapter of the building code wasn't among the sources we reviewed, so ask Building and Safety for its barrier requirements. California's Swimming Pool Safety Act also requires drowning-prevention features for new home pools and spas (see state rules).
Permits
A building permit from Building and Safety is needed for a pool or spa; the zoning sections themselves don't create a separate zoning permit. In the Coastal Zone, swimming pools at existing single-family homes are generally exempt from a coastal development permit, except for properties on the beach, within 50 feet of a bluff edge, or in other listed cases [5].
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Next steps
- Draw a site plan showing the pool, spa and equipment at least 5 ft from every property line (or the equipment inside a qualifying solid enclosure) and not in front of the house.
- Apply for a building permit with the Building and Safety Division (see the city website for contact details) and ask for the Title 9, Chapter 48 pool fencing requirements.
- If you're near the beach, confirm with the Planning Division whether your lot is in the Coastal Zone and whether the coastal permit exemption applies.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit to build a pool in Manhattan Beach, California?
- Yes. A building permit is needed, and all pools and hot tubs must be fenced under the city's building code.
- How far must a pool be from the property line in Manhattan Beach, California?
- The pool and its equipment must stay at least 5 feet from every property line, unless the equipment is fully enclosed. A pool may go in the required rear or side yard.
- Does a pool need a coastal permit in Manhattan Beach, California?
- Generally exempt for an existing single-family home.
California state rules for swimming pools
Pools need a city or county building permit, and local zoning sets setbacks. The state's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §115920 et seq.) adds safety rules:
- Drowning prevention features: when a building permit is issued for a new pool or spa, or to remodel one, at a private single-family home, it must have at least two of seven safety features (§115922):
- an enclosure that isolates the pool from the house
- removable mesh fencing (ASTM F2286) with a self-closing, self-latching gate
- a safety pool cover (ASTM F1346-23)
- exit alarms on doors and windows that open directly to the pool
- self-closing, self-latching devices on those doors, released at least 54 inches up
- a pool alarm (ASTM F2208; child-worn alarms don't count)
- other equally protective, independently verified means
- Some pairs don't count, such as a safety cover plus a pool alarm. The building official inspects before final approval.
- Enclosure standards (§115923): at least 60 inches high, no more than 2 inches of clearance at the bottom, gaps that won't pass a 4-inch sphere, no handholds or footholds, and gates that open away from the pool with self-latches at least 60 inches up.
- What counts as a pool: any structure with water over 18 inches deep, including above-ground pools, hot tubs and spas (§115921). Spas with a locking ASTM F1346 cover, apartment complexes and public pools are exempt (§115925).
- Small pools: the 2025 Residential Code exempts prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep from a building permit.
What the ordinance says
- Sec. 10.04.030, "Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs", Municipal Code Title 10 Part I General Provisions (10.04.030 Definitions; use classifications)
Water-filled enclosures having a depth of eighteen inches (18″) or more used for swimming or recreation.
- Sec. 10.52.050(G)(1), Municipal Code Title 10 Part IV Site Regulations (Ch. 10.52 Residential site regs incl. 10.52.050 Accessory structures, 10.52.070 Home occupation; Ch. 10.60 all districts; Ch. 10.74 Accessory Dwelling Units)
A swimming pool or hot tub and related equipment may occupy a required rear yard or side yard but shall not be within five feet (5′) of a property line.
- Sec. 10.52.050(G)(1), Exception, Municipal Code Title 10 Part IV Site Regulations (Ch. 10.52 Residential site regs incl. 10.52.050 Accessory structures, 10.52.070 Home occupation; Ch. 10.60 all districts; Ch. 10.74 Accessory Dwelling Units)
A swimming pool or hot tub and related equipment may be located within five feet (5′) of a property line provided it complies with the locational criteria of subsection D, stated above, and is located within a structure having a solid roof, solid walls, and, with no openings within five feet (5′) of said property lines.
- Sec. 10.52.050(G)(2), Municipal Code Title 10 Part IV Site Regulations (Ch. 10.52 Residential site regs incl. 10.52.050 Accessory structures, 10.52.070 Home occupation; Ch. 10.60 all districts; Ch. 10.74 Accessory Dwelling Units)
All pools and hot tubs shall be fenced, as required by Title 9 , Chapter 48 of the Municipal Code.
- LCP IP Sec. A.96.050(A), Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan Ch. A.96 Coastal Development Permit Procedures
Improvements to single-family dwellings and mobile homes including structures normally associated with a single-family residence such as garages, swimming pools, fences, storage sheds and landscaping are exempt unless classified as one of the following: