5 rules for unincorporated Alpine County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Alpine County requires a building permit for in-ground pools and most above-ground pools. The County adopted the 2022 California Building and Residential Codes (including the Swimming Pool Safety Act) by reference in Alpine County Code Section 15.04.020, so the state permit thresholds and inspections apply countywide.
Alpine County does not have its own pool-fence ordinance; it enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act through the building code. Pools must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates per Health & Safety Code Section 115923 and California Residential Code Appendix AX, adopted in ACC 15.04.020.
New and remodeled residential pools in unincorporated Alpine County must include at least two of the seven drowning-prevention features in Health & Safety Code Section 115922(a) and anti-entrapment suction outlets under Section 115928. The County enforces these through the 2022 California Residential Code Appendix AX adopted in ACC 15.04.020.
Above-ground pools in unincorporated Alpine County need a building permit if 24 inches or deeper or holding more than 5,000 gallons (California Building Code 105.2, adopted in ACC 15.04.020). Even exempt pools must meet the Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier rules under Health & Safety Code 115923, and the pool counts as a 'structure' subject to zoning setbacks.
Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Alpine County are exempt from the 60-inch pool barrier if fitted with a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346, under Health & Safety Code Section 115922(b)(2). Permanently installed spas still require building and electrical permits under the codes adopted in ACC Chapter 15.04.
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