Placer County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Placer County, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- CDRA Building Services Division
- Code cycle
- 2022 CRC, CEC, CPC, CA Energy Code
- Grading permit threshold
- 250 cubic yards or more moved
- Engineered retaining wall
- Over 4 ft (footing to top)
- Pre-permit requirement
- Signed pool barrier acknowledgment form
Summary
In unincorporated Placer County, building a new in-ground or above-ground pool or spa requires a building permit from the Community Development Resource Agency (CDRA) Building Services Division. Plans are reviewed under the 2022 CRC/CEC/CPC and CA Energy Code, and a signed pool barrier acknowledgment form is required before a permit issues.
The following items are required for a complete permit application. POOL SITE PLAN: Site Plan with TOPO Lines Reviewed by Placer County Planning Department; Code Cycle: 2022 CRC, CEC, CPC, CA Energy Code; Safety Features: pool cover, exit alarms, water entrance alarm, etc.; Fencing: no climb height (60 in above grade); Gates: 60 in height minimum, self-closing, self-latching, must swing away from the pool; Equipotential Bond: required at 4 equal parts around the perimeter of the pool per 680.26(B)(2); Water Bond: required per 680.26(C).
Full Breakdown
Placer County's Building Services Division (CDRA) issues swimming pool permits for the unincorporated areas of the county from its Auburn office (3091 County Center Dr., Ste. 160, 530-745-3010) and its Tahoe City office (775 North Lake Blvd., 530-581-6200). Per the County's 'Intake Requirements for Swimming Pool Structures (Single Family Dwelling)' handout (110C-1, rev. 220215), a complete submittal includes a site/plot plan with topographic lines reviewed by the Planning Department, plans drawn to scale and signed and dated, and notation of safety features, fencing (60-inch no-climb height) and gates.
Electrical work must show equipotential bonding at four equal points around the pool perimeter per NEC 680.26(B)(2) and water bonding per 680.26(C). Pool fill or grading that moves 250 cubic yards or more requires a completed Grading Questionnaire or grading permit. A retaining wall over 4 feet (from bottom of footing to top of wall) requires engineering. The pool barrier acknowledgment form must be signed by the property owner (even if a contractor applies) before a permit issues. Applications can be submitted through the County's eServices portal.
Violations & Fines
Building or filling a pool without the required permit can trigger stop-work orders, code-enforcement action and investigation/penalty fees through CDRA. The permit will not be issued until the signed pool barrier requirements form is returned to the Building Services Division.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a pool in unincorporated Placer County?
When does pool work require a grading permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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