Hot tubs and spas fall under California's Swimming Pool Safety Act when capable of holding water deeper than 18 inches, requiring barriers, covers, or other approved safety features.
Health and Safety Code section 115921 expressly defines spas and hot tubs as swimming pools when they hold water exceeding 18 inches in depth. Most residential hot tubs meet this definition and therefore must include at least two approved drowning-prevention safety features when newly installed or substantially modified after January 1, 2018. A locking, ASTM F1346-compliant safety cover is the most common qualifying feature for hot tubs. Public spas (those at hotels, gyms, or condominium common areas) are also regulated under H&S Code section 116025 et seq., requiring permits, water quality monitoring, and signage. State law preempts cities from adopting weaker standards.
Unpermitted public spas can be ordered closed. Residential hot tubs failing to include safety features may not pass final inspection. Negligence per se if drowning occurs.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Richmond, CA
California Public Resources Code 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severit...
Richmond, CA
California law requires working smoke alarms in every Richmond dwelling unit, with additional carbon-monoxide detector requirements. All units must have batt...
Richmond, CA
Richmond regulates removal of protected and heritage trees on private property. Permits are typically required before removing native oaks, heritage-designat...
Richmond, CA
Xeriscaping is encouraged in Richmond. Under California Civil Code 4735 and Government Code 53087.7, HOAs and cities cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landsca...
Richmond, CA
Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 9.32 imposes a juvenile curfew prohibiting minors under 18 from being in public places between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM Sunday-Th...
Richmond, CA
Richmond imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on the rent charged for any lodging stay of fewer than 30 consecutive days, including short-term rentals. Oper...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how Richmond'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.