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Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

Pool Permits

Any new pool or spa, remodel, or removal in Santa Rosa requires a Building Permit issued through the Building Division (100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3). Applications are filed through Permit Santa Rosa (Accela Citizen Access).

Building permit required for pool, spa, and demolition

Some Restrictions

City of Santa Rosa Building Division Policy No. 2.5.30, Swimming Pool and Spa Demolition/Removal Requirements (effective April 20, 2016)

PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to identify the minimum requirements for the demolition or removal of an existing in-ground pool or spa. A building permit is required for the demolition or removal of a pool or spa. ... PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: Provide three sets of 8 1/2 by 11 or larger plans drawn to scale showing all information necessary to describe the scope of work. At a min...

Fencing Requirements

Santa Rosa enforces California Building Code Section 3109 and Health and Safety Code Section 115921-115922. Any pool enclosure used as a drowning-prevention feature must be at least 60 inches high, have gates that open away from the pool, and be self-closing and self-latching.

Pool enclosure: 60-inch fence with self-closing gate

Heavy Restrictions

Santa Rosa Building Division Residential Pool/Spa Handout, Definitions (Enclosure); CBC Section 3109; HSC Section 115921, 115923

ENCLOSURE: FENCE, WALL, OR OTHER BARRIER THAT ISOLATES A SWIMMING POOL FROM ACCESS TO THE RESIDENCE - AN ENCLOSURE SHALL HAVE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS: 1. ANY ACCESS GATES THROUGH THE ENCLOSURE OPEN AWAY FROM THE SWIMMING POOL, AND ARE SELF-CLOSING WITH A SELF-LATCHING DEVICE PLACED NO LOWER THAN 60 INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND. 2. A MINIMUM HEIGHT OF 60 INCHES. 3. A MAXIMUM VERTICAL CLE...

Safety Rules

Santa Rosa follows California Health and Safety Code requirements for residential pools. Pools must have anti-entrapment drain covers, and at least two of seven approved safety features are required for new construction.

Santa Rosa Pool Safety Rules

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code § 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)

(a) Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention saf...

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools in Santa Rosa must meet the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pools holding more than 18 inches of water require compliance with the California Building Code.

Santa Rosa Above-Ground Pool Rules

Some Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)

“Swimming pool” includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools. (b) “Public swimming pool” means a swimming pool operated for the use of the general public with or without charge, or for the use of the members and guests of a private club. Public swimming pool does not include a swimming pool located...

Looking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?

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

Swimming Pools & Spas in Sonoma County