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

Hot tubs and spas in Westminster are permitted as residential accessory features, but they are subject to permitting and safety requirements. The City requires a building permit for spa construction through its Building Division, and standard installations built to City standards can often be reviewed over the counter. Under Municipal Code section 17.400.130, spas — whether in-ground or above ground — are not classified as "swimming pools" for that section's setback provisions, so they are treated differently from in-ground pools when applying accessory-structure setbacks. Spas must still be fenced and secured with approved materials and kept clean, safe, and sanitary, consistent with the City's general pool-and-spa requirements. The statewide Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code section 115922) applies to spas as well as pools; however, a spa equipped with a listed, lockable safety cover is generally treated as meeting the barrier requirement, which is why many residential spas rely on an approved locking cover rather than a full enclosure. Spa electrical work (bonding, GFCI protection, and disconnects) is reviewed under the California Electrical Code adopted in Westminster Municipal Code Title 15. Because requirements vary with spa size, depth, and whether a cover is used, owners should confirm with the Building Division at (714) 548-3254 whether a barrier, a safety cover, or both are required for their installation.