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

In the unincorporated county, spas and hot tubs are treated like swimming pools under the zoning and building codes. Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance Sec. 8106-5.13 allows swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and similar structures to be constructed to within 3 feet of rear and interior side lot lines, provided they do not intrude into a required front or street-side setback; structures holding less than 18 inches of water are exempt from setbacks. The same section requires that water features with a water depth of 18 inches or more be sited at least 3 feet from the exterior walls of an enclosed building. A permanent spa or hot tub typically requires a building permit from the RMA Building and Safety Division and is built to the Ventura County Building Code, which adopts the California Residential Code and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Permitted spas fall under California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sec. 115922): an ASTM F1346 listed safety cover is one of the seven recognized drowning-prevention features and is commonly chosen for spas, though at least two qualifying features are required. Self-contained, listed portable hot tubs may have different requirements; confirm with Building and Safety whether your unit needs a permit and which safety features satisfy the state law before installation.