Palm Coast treats hot tubs and nonportable spas as 'swimming pools' once the water depth exceeds 24 inches - a building permit from Building Services (160 Lake Avenue, (386) 986-3780) is required. Applicable codes are the 8th Edition (2023) FBC Residential Chapter 45 (Sections R4501.17 through R4501.17.3), 2020 NEC Article 680, FS Chapter 515, and the Palm Coast LDC. FBC R4501.17 (mirroring FS 515.27(1)(b)) permits a hot tub or spa to be equipped with an approved ASTM F1346 safety pool cover in lieu of a 48-inch barrier; the cover must be in place and latched when the spa is not in use.
Palm Coast defines a Swimming Pool as 'any structure that is intended for swimming or recreational bathing and contains water over 24 inches deep including but not limited to inground, aboveground, and onground swimming pools, hot tubs and nonportable spas.' A building permit is therefore required for any hot tub or nonportable spa over 24 inches deep, issued by Building Services at City Hall, 160 Lake Avenue, (386) 986-3780. Applicable codes: 8th Edition (2023) FBC Residential Chapter 45, Sections R4501.17 through R4501.17.3; 2020 National Electric Code Article 680 (GFCI, bonding); Florida Statute Chapter 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act); Palm Coast Land Development Code. FBC R4501.17.1.8 and FBC Building 454.2.17.1.10 (mirroring FS 515.27(1)(b)) permit a hot tub or spa to be equipped with an approved safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346 in lieu of a 48-inch barrier. ASTM F1346 requires the cover to be manually or power operated, capable of holding a static load (typically 485 lb per 5 sq ft) without permanent deformation, and unable to permit a 4.75-inch sphere to pass through. The cover must be in place and latched whenever the spa is not in use. Spa electrical work must comply with 2020 NEC Article 680 (GFCI protection on the spa circuit, equipotential bonding of the spa shell and metal parts, no extension cords, GFCI receptacle at least 10 feet from the inside spa wall). If a barrier is used instead of a cover, the same 48-inch / less-than-4-inch-sphere / self-closing self-latching gate rules apply. Portable, self-contained spas may be reviewed differently - confirm with Building Services at (386) 986-3780.
Installing a hot tub or spa over 24 inches deep without a building permit is a violation. Operating it without either a 48-inch FS 515.29 barrier or a latched ASTM F1346 cover is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS 515.27(2). Using extension cords for spa equipment violates 2020 NEC Article 680. Penalties may be waived if the owner corrects the deficiency and completes drowning-prevention education within 45 days.
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