Pool Permits: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do pool permits rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Midway City, CA?
Costa Mesa and Midway City have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa requires plan review, permits, and inspections for swimming pool enclosures. In-ground pool permits may be issued at the counter in most cases. Building permits and electrical permits are required. Pools must meet California Building Code setback and safety standards.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
In unincorporated Orange County, OC Public Works requires a building permit before constructing a swimming pool or spa. Applicants submit a Building Permit Application, a Pool/Spa Questionnaire, and stamped plans through myOCeServices. Planning approval and plan check are required prior to issuance.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes — building and electrical | - |
| Counter Permit | In-ground may be issued at counter | - |
| Above-Ground Exempt | <18 in deep, <5,000 gal | - |
| Safety Act | CA HSC §115920 compliance | - |
| Contact | Building Division — (714) 754-5273 | - |
| Permitting agency | - | OC Public Works / OC Development Services |
| Apply at | - | myOCeServices.ocgov.com (Building Permit App + Pool/Spa Questionnaire) |
| Planning approval | - | Required prior to permit issuance |
| Soil report | - | Required within 15 ft of top / 8 ft of toe of a 1:3 slope (with exceptions) |
| Special inspection | - | Required during gunite/shotcrete placement (2019 CBC) |
| Encroachment permit | - | Separate permit for highway/right-of-way work (Sec. 6-1-2) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Do I need a permit for a pool in Costa Mesa?
Yes. Building and electrical permits are required. In-ground pool permits may often be issued at the counter. Contact the Building Division at (714) 754-5273.
Are small above-ground pools exempt?
Prefabricated pools under 18 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, installed entirely above ground, may have exemptions from certain requirements.
What codes must pools meet?
Pools must comply with the California Building Code for setbacks and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act for barriers and safety features.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a pool in unincorporated Orange County?
Yes. OC Public Works requires a building permit before construction begins. You submit a Building Permit Application, a Pool/Spa Questionnaire, and plans through myOCeServices.ocgov.com, and Planning approval and plan check must be completed before the permit is issued.
When is a soil report required for my pool?
A soil report is required if the pool is less than 15 feet from the top of a slope, or less than 8 feet from the toe of a slope steeper than 1 unit vertical in 3 horizontal, unless you comply with the specific exceptions listed in the Swimming Pool and Spa Packet (such as a deepened keyway foundation with the required daylight setback).
Compare other topics
See how Costa Mesa and Midway City compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool