Bishop, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Hot Tub Rules (2026)

Inyo County's Building and Safety Department lists 'Swimming Pool/Jacuzzi' among projects that require a building permit, which includes spas and hot tubs that are plumbed or hard-wired. Under the County Zoning Ordinance (Title 18), a spa is treated like a swimming pool: it is a permitted accessory use in any district but cannot be in a required front yard or within three feet of any fence or building wall. The California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code §115922) defines a 'spa' alongside 'swimming pool' and applies when a building permit is issued for a new spa at a private single-family home, requiring at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features. State law recognizes that a portable spa with a listed, lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 can satisfy the barrier requirement, which is why many self-contained hot tubs with a locking hard cover need fewer additional safeguards than an open pool. Electrical work for a spa must meet the California Electrical Code, including GFCI protection and bonding. Verify whether your self-contained, cord-connected portable spa needs a permit and how the safety-cover option applies with Inyo County Building and Safety.