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

A residential hot tub or spa in unincorporated Glenn County is treated under the California Building Codes adopted in Title 15, Ch. 15.720 and the statewide California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Under the state codes a spa or hot tub containing water 18 inches or more deep is a regulated 'pool,' so a permanent spa generally requires a building permit and the 240-volt electrical circuit and any plumbing require permits regardless of size. Importantly, under HSC 115922 a manually operated or power-operated safety cover meeting ASTM International F1346 is one of the seven approved drowning-prevention features - so a lockable, listed spa cover can serve as one of the two required features for a spa, which is why many spas do not need separate fencing if combined with another qualifying feature such as door alarms. Because Glenn County repealed its own pool-fence chapter (Ord. 1247, 2013), these state standards govern. Self-contained, listed portable spas with locking hard covers are common and may have simplified permitting, but the electrical hookup still needs a permit. Glenn County Environmental Health separately permits PUBLIC spas (apartment, HOA, hotel) under California Code of Regulations Title 22. Confirm permit requirements and fees with the Building Division before installing a spa.