Swimming Pools & Spas in Sonoma County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Sonoma County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Pool Permits

In unincorporated Sonoma County, a building permit from Permit Sonoma is required for in-ground pools and spas. Plans must be prepared by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer and include fencing, drainage, and soils details under Permit Sonoma guideline CNI-044.

Sonoma County Pool & Spa Building Permits

Some Restrictions

Sonoma County Code § 7-15, Private swimming pool — General (per Permit Sonoma CNI-044)

Pool plans, specifications and design calculations shall be prepared by a civil or structural engineer, licensed to practice in the State of California... soils in Sonoma County shall be assumed to be expansive unless the owner can show by actual soil tests, performed by a recognized soil testing laboratory, that the soils are not expansive.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Permit Sonoma guideline CNI-044 implements the California Pool Safety Act: when a pool permit issues, at least two of seven drowning-prevention features are required. The isolation-enclosure option needs a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates opening away from the pool.

Sonoma County Pool Fencing & Barrier Requirements

Some Restrictions

Permit Sonoma CNI-044 Swimming Pool Safety Regulations, citing Sonoma County Code § 7-15 and CA Health & Safety Code § 115923

An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 [of the Health & Safety Code] and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home... A minimum height of 60 inches... Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4 inches in diameter.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Swimming Pools & Spas by City in Sonoma County

2 cities in Sonoma County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

Santa RosaPop. 178,127

2 verified rules • Fencing & Safety Requirements, Pool Permits

PetalumaPop. 59,776

2 verified rules • Fencing & Safety Requirements, Pool Permits

All Sonoma County ordinances

See every category we cover for Sonoma County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Sonoma County Ordinance Hub →