Swimming Pools & Spas in Contra Costa County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 cities in Contra Costa County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Pool Permits

A building permit from the Contra Costa County Building Inspection Division is required before installing any pool or spa in unincorporated areas. In-ground pools must be at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines to the water's edge, and applicants must submit engineer-stamped structural details and a site plan through the ePermits Center.

Building permit required; 5-ft setback from property lines

Heavy Restrictions

Contra Costa County Pool and Spa Installation Requirements (Department of Conservation and Development)

PLANNING DIVISION REQUIREMENTS: In ground pools or spas shall be located 5 minimum from side and rear property lines to water's edge. Above ground pools or spas may have greater setbacks and may require administrative review. BUILDING INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS: A building permit is required for all pool and spa installations and shall be obtained prior to start of installation.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing Requirements

Pool enclosures in unincorporated Contra Costa County must be at least 60 inches tall, have self-closing/self-latching gates that open away from the pool, and limit ground clearance to 2 inches. The enclosure is one of two required drowning prevention safety features under the Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Act, enforced by the County Building Inspection Division.

60-inch pool enclosure with self-latching gate required

Heavy Restrictions

California Health & Safety Code § 115923 (as enforced by Contra Costa County Building Inspection Division)

115923. An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: (a) 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. (b) A minimum height of 60 inches. (c) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches. (d) Gaps or voids, if ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Safety Rules

All pool and spa drains in Contra Costa County must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act and California Health & Safety Code 116064, requiring anti-entrapment drain covers and, for single-drain pools, secondary anti-entrapment systems such as a safety vacuum release system.