In unincorporated Pierce County, spas and hot tubs fall under 2021 IRC Appendix G, but county guidance provides that a spa or hot tub with an approved lockable safety cover, and a pool with a powered lockable cover complying with ASTM F1346, need not have a separate 48-inch barrier installed.
Pierce County PPW enforces the 2021 IRC Appendix G spa and hot-tub provisions adopted through WAC 51-51. As a general rule, water over 24 inches deep must be enclosed by a 48-inch barrier. County guidance provides an exception: spas and hot tubs equipped with an approved lockable safety cover, and pools fitted with a powered lockable safety cover complying with ASTM F1346, do not require a separate barrier. A building permit is still required for the electrical connection and any deck or equipment work, and the spa must meet zoning setbacks. Public or semipublic spas at apartments, hotels, or clubs are instead regulated as water recreation facilities under Tacoma-Pierce County health rules and PCC Chapter 8.44.
A hot tub relying on a cover that does not meet the lockable/ASTM F1346 standard, and lacking a 48-inch barrier, fails the pool-barrier rule and can be cited. Electrical or deck work without a permit can trigger a stop-work order.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup regulates noise under PMC Chapter 6.16 (Noise Control), using Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) zones. Residential (Class A) zone...
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup has no local aircraft noise ordinance. Thun Field (Pierce County Airport) generates some general aviation traffic near Puyallup. FAA regulations gov...
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup prohibits frequent, repetitive, or continuous noise from animals in residential zones that unreasonably disturbs neighbors under PMC Chapter 6.16. E...
Puyallup, WA
Construction in the right-of-way in Puyallup is restricted from 10 PM to 7 AM under PMC 11.05. Emergency work is exempt. Private property construction should...
Puyallup, WA
Abandoned vehicles on public streets or private property in Puyallup are subject to code enforcement action as a nuisance. Puyallup Code Compliance handles a...
Puyallup, WA
Puyallup street parking is governed by Washington State traffic law (RCW 46) and city traffic codes. Standard parking rules apply regarding curb distance, in...
See how Puyallup's hot tub rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.