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

The Plumas County zoning code does not address spas or hot tubs specifically; they are regulated as part of the same state framework that governs pools. The California Swimming Pool Safety Act expressly includes spas: Health and Safety Code Section 115922 applies when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled 'swimming pool or spa' at a private single-family home, requiring at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features. One of the seven listed features is an approved safety cover meeting ASTM F1346, which is a common and practical compliance method for hot tubs because a manufactured, lockable hard cover can isolate the water. A permanently installed spa is also a structure under Sec. 9-2.292 and may require an electrical and/or building permit; the spa must respect the parcel's yard setbacks (Sec. 9-2.418). Portable, self-contained spas with a listed locking cover may have simplified permitting, but electrical hookups still require inspection. Because the county defers entirely to the state act and the Building Code, owners should confirm whether their spa qualifies for the cover-based compliance path or needs additional features, and obtain the proper electrical permit for the equipment.