Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Barbara, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Santa Barbara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
The City of Santa Barbara Building & Safety Division requires a building permit before constructing or remodeling any private swimming pool or spa. Plans must show plumbing, electrical, and barrier details and meet California Building Code Section 3109 plus City pool ordinance #5919. No water may be added before final safeguard approval.
Santa Barbara Pool & Spa Building Permits
Some RestrictionsFencing Requirements
Santa Barbara requires a protective enclosure around residential pools and spas. The City's pool handout adopts the California enclosure standard: a minimum 60-inch (5-foot) barrier, no more than 2 inches of ground clearance, no openings passing a 4-inch sphere, and self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool.
Santa Barbara Pool Fencing & Barrier Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsSafety Rules
When the City issues a permit to build or remodel a residential pool or spa, the City's pool handout requires at least two of the seven state drowning-prevention safety features under Health & Safety Code 115922 - such as a compliant enclosure, ASTM mesh fencing, a safety pool cover, door exit alarms, self-latching house doors, or a pool alarm.
Santa Barbara Pool Safety Features (Drowning Prevention)
Heavy RestrictionsAbove-Ground Pools
Santa Barbara's pool ordinance does not exempt above-ground pools. A building permit is required, and the same barrier and two-of-seven safety-feature rules under CBC 3109 and HSC 115922-115923 apply. The protective enclosure requirement covers the entire pool, built-in spa, portable spa, or yard.
Santa Barbara Above-Ground Pools
Some RestrictionsHot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas need a City permit and generally follow the same pool barrier and safety rules. However, the City's handout adopts a key state exception: per HSC 115925, hot tubs and spas with a locking safety cover compliant with ASTM F1346 are exempt from the two-of-seven drowning-prevention features.
Santa Barbara Hot Tub & Spa Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Barbara city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Barbara County →