How Burbank Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
Burbank maintains 112 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Burbank falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs follow the same permitting and safety requirements as pools under CA Building Code. Prefabricated hot tubs may qualify for permit exemption if meeting size thresholds. Hot tubs are excluded from lot coverage when not enclosed in roofed structures.
Key details: Safety: Same barrier rules as pools. Permit: Required unless exempt size. Lot Coverage: Excluded if unenclosed. State Law: CA Building Code Title 24.
Unpermitted electrical work: fines and required correction. Drainage violations: remediation required. Safety cover violations: immediate correction.
Fencing Requirements
Pool fencing must be at minimum 60 inches tall per CA Building Code Title 24. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. At least one additional safety feature mandatory under CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929).
Key details: Height: 60 inches minimum. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching. Safety Features: Min 1 additional required. State Law: CA HSC 115920-115929.
Non-compliant pool fencing may result in fines, inspection failures, and liability exposure. Non-compliance during property sales triggers occupancy inspection issues.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Burbank actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.
Safety Rules
All residential pools must comply with CA Swimming Pool Safety Act and Virginia Graeme Baker Act. At least two drowning prevention features required for new/remodeled pools. Anti-entrapment drain covers mandatory.
Key details: Drowning Prevention: Min 2 features required. Drain Covers: VGB Act compliant required. State Law: CA HSC 115920-115929. Barrier: 60-inch minimum fence.
Non-compliant pools face building inspection failures, fines, and potential liability. Homeowners may face personal liability for accidents at non-compliant pools.
Compared to other cities, Burbank takes a harder line on safety rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Pool Permits
Building permits are required for in-ground pool construction in Burbank. Above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons (entirely above ground) are exempt. Pool size and shape are not restricted beyond setback compliance. Community Development handles permits.
Key details: Permit Required: Yes, for in-ground pools. Exempt: Above-ground <24 in deep, <5,000 gal. Size/Shape: Not restricted (setbacks apply). Department: Community Development.
Unpermitted pool construction is subject to stop-work orders, retroactive permitting requirements, and fines from Building and Safety.
Above-Ground Pools
Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons do not require a building permit in Burbank. Safety barriers still required. Pools are excluded from lot coverage calculations if not enclosed in roofed structures.
Key details: Permit Exempt: <24 in deep and <5,000 gal. Safety: Barrier requirements still apply. Lot Coverage: Excluded if unenclosed. State Code: CA Pool Safety Act applies.
Unpermitted pools: removal or retroactive permit with double fees. Safety violations: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500.
The rules around above-ground pools in Burbank lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
The Bottom Line
Burbank is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Burbank, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Burbank's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.