Costa Mesa applies California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115920-115929) and the 2022 California Residential Code through CMMC Title 5. Any above-ground pool capable of holding more than 18 inches of water requires a building permit, an isolation barrier at least 60 inches tall, and at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features.
Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 5 adopts the California Building Standards Code, including the 2022 California Residential Code (with Appendix AX). Under HSC Section 115921, an above-ground pool deeper than 18 inches is a regulated swimming pool, and HSC Section 115922 requires at least two of seven drowning-prevention features when constructed or remodeled: an isolation enclosure that meets HSC 115923, removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, an ASTM F1346 safety cover, exit alarms on doors, a self-closing self-latching door device with release at least 54 inches up, an ASTM F2208 pool alarm, or another approved means. HSC 115923 sets the isolation barrier at a minimum 60 inches tall, no more than 2 inches above ground at the bottom, no openings that pass a 4-inch sphere, no climbable surfaces, and a self-closing gate that opens away from the pool with a latch at least 60 inches above grade. Confirm permit thresholds with the Costa Mesa Building Division.
Installing an above-ground pool over 18 inches deep without a permit, or failing the 60-inch barrier or two-of-seven feature requirements, fails inspection and can support a stop-work order or correction notice from Costa Mesa Code Enforcement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle above-ground pools.
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