Above-ground pools holding more than 24 inches of water (or any pool storing 18+ inches under the state Pool Safety Act) require a building permit and a compliant 60-inch barrier in Stockton.
Under California Residential Code Appendix V Section AV105.1 (adopted by SMC §15.08), 'swimming pool' includes above-ground and on-ground pools designed to hold water more than 24 inches deep, and these require a building permit and barrier compliant with Appendix V. The wall of an above-ground pool itself may serve as part of the barrier if the wall is at least 48 inches tall and any ladder or steps are removable, lockable, or surrounded by a barrier that meets the same 60-inch standard. California Health & Safety Code §115921(a) defines a swimming pool subject to the Safety Act as any structure 'designed to be used for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep,' including in-ground, above-ground, and on-ground pools, hot tubs, and spas. Storable inflatable or soft-sided pools below 24 inches are exempt from permitting but still must comply with the 18-inch depth Safety Act threshold for barriers.
Installing an above-ground pool over 24 inches deep without a permit subjects the owner to a stop-work order and doubled permit fees under CBC §108.4. Lack of compliant barrier or ladder isolation is a state law violation referable to the building official under SMC Title 15 and Cal. H&S Code §115923.
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