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

Modoc County does not have a separate spa or hot-tub ordinance. Spas and hot tubs are regulated through the adopted building code and state law, the same framework that governs swimming pools. The county adopted the 2022 California Building Standards Code with local amendments by Ordinance No. 221-J (effective August 1, 2024), so the California Residential Code and California Electrical Code provisions for spas apply locally and are enforced by the Building and Safety Department in Alturas. Because a spa has heating and circulation equipment, an electrical permit and proper equipotential bonding and GFCI protection are required. Under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code Section 115922 and following), a spa is treated as a pool for drowning-prevention purposes when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled spa at a single-family home; the spa must include at least two approved safety features. Importantly, the Act and the building code allow an approved safety cover that meets ASTM F1346 standards to serve as one of those features, which is the common compliance path for spas because a locking, listed hard cover both prevents access and conserves heat. Zoning-wise, a spa is a residential accessory use/structure under Title 18 and must respect the yard/setback rules of the underlying zone (Section 18.110.050). Confirm permit and inspection requirements with the Modoc County Building and Safety Department before installation.