Swimming Pools & Spas in Chico, CA (2026)
5 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 does not publish a standalone pool ordinance in the Municipal Code. Pool, spa, and hot tub installations are permitted by the Chico Building Division under Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (California Building Standards Code), which is enforced citywide per the Building Division's stated mandate. A building permit is required for in-ground pools, above-ground pools, and permanently installed spas before excavation or installation begins; plumbing and electrical sub-permits typically attach.
Pool/Spa Building Permit — Chico Building Division + Title 24 CCR
Some RestrictionsFencing Requirements
Chico does not adopt a standalone pool fence ordinance; the controlling rule is the California Swimming Pool Safety Act enforced through the building permit process. If an isolation enclosure is selected as one of the two required SB 442 safety features, it must be at least 60 inches high with no more than a 2-inch gap from the ground (Cal. HSC §115923). Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool, with the latch located at least 60 inches above ground.
Pool Enclosure — Cal. HSC §115923 (60-inch barrier) Enforced via Building Permit
Heavy RestrictionsSafety Rules
Chico follows the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Cal. HSC §§115920–115929). At new pool construction or any pool/spa remodel requiring a building permit, the property must have at least two of seven drowning prevention safety features, verified at final inspection by the Chico Building Division. State law preempts the field; there is no separate Chico pool safety ordinance.
Swimming Pool Safety Act (SB 442) — Two Drowning Prevention Features Required
Heavy RestrictionsAbove-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools holding water more than 18 inches deep are 'swimming pools' under Cal. HSC §115921(a) and are treated the same as in-ground pools by the Chico Building Division. A building permit is required, the pool must comply with the California Building Code/California Residential Code, and at least two of the seven SB 442 drowning prevention features must be installed. The pool wall itself (if 60+ inches high) may satisfy the enclosure requirement, provided ladders are removable or secured.
Above-Ground Pools — Permit + SB 442 Safety Features Required
Some RestrictionsHot Tub Rules
Cal. Health & Safety Code §115921(a) expressly includes 'hot tubs, spas, portable spas' within the definition of 'swimming pool.' Chico enforces the Swimming Pool Safety Act and the California Building/Electrical Codes for spa installation. Permanently installed spas require a building and electrical permit through the Chico Building Division. A locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is the most common way to satisfy one of the two required SB 442 drowning prevention features.
Hot Tubs & Spas — Same Pool Rules Apply Under Cal. HSC §115921
Some RestrictionsLooking for Butte County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chico city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Butte County →