Swimming pool permit rules in Alpine County, CA — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Unincorporated Alpine County requires a building permit for in-ground pools and most above-ground pools. The County adopted the 2022 California Building and Residential Codes (including the Swimming Pool Safety Act) by reference in Alpine County Code Section 15.04.020, so the state permit thresholds and inspections apply countywide.
Alpine County has no incorporated cities, so the County building official administers pool permits everywhere, including Markleeville, Bear Valley and the Kirkwood area. Alpine County Code (ACC) Chapter 15.04 enacts the County building code. ACC 15.04.020 adopts by reference Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, expressly including the 2022 California Building Code, the 2022 California Residential Code with Appendix AX (Swimming Pool Safety Act), and the 2022 California Electrical Code. Under California Building Code Section 105.2, a permit is not required only for a prefabricated pool accessory to a single-family (Group R-3) home that is less than 24 inches deep, holds no more than 5,000 gallons, and sits entirely above ground; anything larger needs a building permit. Because a pool is defined as a 'structure' under ACC 18.08 (the zoning definitions expressly state 'structure includes swimming pools'), it must also meet the zone's yard setbacks. Electrical work for pumps, lights and bonding requires a permit under California Electrical Code Article 680. Apply through the Alpine County Community Development Building Department in Markleeville.
Building without a required permit lets the building official issue a stop-work order under the adopted CBC and can trigger investigation fees and corrective permits. ACC 15.04.030 makes a permit invalid if work is not started within 12 months or is abandoned for 12 months, and caps open-permit validity at four years. Final approval and any certificate of occupancy are withheld until the Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier inspection required by Health & Safety Code Section 115922(c) passes.
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