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Swimming Pools & Spas in Chico, CA (2026)

2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Chico, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pool Permits

Chico exempts prefabricated above-ground pools at single-family homes from a basic building permit only if the pool walls sit entirely above grade and the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons.

Chico Above-Ground Pool Permit Rule

Some Restrictions

Chico Municipal Code § 16.10.020(K)

K. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a building or structure designated as a Group R, Division 3 occupancy under the basic building standards adopted by or pursuant to Chapter 16.06 of this title if the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons;

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Chico requires swimming pools, spas, and similar residential amenities to be fenced in compliance with the California Building Code, which mandates self-closing, self-latching gates and other barrier safeguards under state standards.

Chico Pool Barrier Fencing Rules

Some Restrictions

Chico Municipal Code § 19.60.060(A)(1)(c)

Swimming Pools, Spas and Similar Residential Amenities. Swimming pools, spas and other similar residential amenities shall be fenced in compliance with the California Building Code.          d.   Parcels with Grade Differential. Where there is a difference of less than 2 feet in the ground level between two adjacent parcels, the height of any fence or wall constructed along the common property ...

Looking for Butte County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.

Swimming Pools & Spas in Butte County