Madera County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Madera County, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Requires
- County building permit
- Pool code adopted
- Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Madera County only
- Administered by
- County building official
Summary
Building a residential swimming pool in unincorporated Madera County requires a county building permit. Title 14 names swimming pools alongside buildings and structures, and adopts the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code as the construction standard.
The most current edition of the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.K.The most current edition of the California Energy Code edition, as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission.L.The most current edition of the California Green Building Standards Code, as adopted by the California Building Standards Commission. (Ord. No. 702A, § 1, 1-13-26; Ord. 702, § 1, 12-13-22; Ord. 598 § 3(part), 2004).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Section 14.04.020 expressly lists 'swimming pools' among the structures subject to Title 14's permit requirement in unincorporated Madera County, alongside buildings, structures, and related electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling work. Section 14.04.030(J) separately adopts the most current edition of the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as part of the county's standardized construction codes. Together these sections mean a residential pool builder must obtain a county building permit and build to that adopted pool code before construction, administered by the Department of Engineering and General Services.
Violations & Fines
Building a pool without a permit is a misdemeanor under the code's general penalty, Section 1.12.010: up to $1,000, six months in jail, or both, and the county can withhold final inspection and occupancy approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a permit required to install an in-ground pool in unincorporated Madera County?
What construction code applies to the pool itself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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