5 rules for unincorporated Mariposa County, California.
Verified from official government sources
All swimming pools and spas in unincorporated Mariposa County require a building permit unless specifically exempt by the 2025 California Building Code. The Building Department reviews plans for structural, electrical (GFCI) and drowning-prevention safety before any pool may be installed.
Mariposa County requires every permitted pool or spa to have a drowning-prevention barrier or safety device approved under California Health & Safety Code 115920-115929. The County follows the state Swimming Pool Safety Act rather than a separate county fence ordinance.
Mariposa County's two stated main pool safety concerns are drowning and electrical hazards. Permitted pools must have a state-approved drowning-prevention barrier/device plus GFCI-protected wiring, and at least two of seven safety features must be documented at plan check.
Above-ground prefabricated pools at single-family homes in unincorporated Mariposa County are exempt from a building permit only if they are less than 18 inches deep and hold no more than 5,000 gallons. Larger above-ground pools require a permit and a safety barrier.
Hot tubs and spas are treated as swimming pools in unincorporated Mariposa County and generally require a building permit, an approved drowning-prevention barrier or safety features, and GFCI-protected electrical wiring under the same rules as pools.
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