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

Unincorporated Kings County does not publish a separate hot tub ordinance; spas are regulated as part of the swimming pool framework in the Development Code and under state law. Spas and pools are permitted incidental/accessory uses in the agricultural and residential districts, and Article 5, Table 5-1 applies the placement rule that "No swimming pool or accessory mechanical equipment shall be located less than five (5) feet from a property line, or within a utility easement" - which covers spas and their pumps/heaters. For safety, the California Swimming Pool Safety Act treats a "spa" the same as a pool: under HSC 115922, when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled spa at a private single-family home, it must be equipped with at least two of the seven drowning-prevention safety features. One of those features (item 3) is an approved manually operated or power-operated safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346, which is commonly how spas satisfy the requirement. The County Development Code's Section 508.B.3.a / 418.B.3.a requires post-January 1, 1998 single-family pools (and spas) to be enclosed or equipped with another qualifying safety feature per Health & Safety Code Sections 115920-115927. Because the County adopts the state standard, the rules for spas mirror statewide requirements; confirm specifics with the Community Development Agency.