Butte County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Butte County, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- Butte County Development Services - Building Division
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Building Standards Code (effective Jan. 1, 2026)
- Online portal
- https://aca-prod.accela.com/BUTTECO/
- Permit Center address
- 7 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
- Phone
- 530-552-3700
- Office hours
- Mon/Tue/Fri 8am-4pm; Wed/Thu 8am-3pm
- Required statutory notice
- Builder must give consumer the HSC 115924 pool safety notice
Summary
Any new or remodeled swimming pool or spa in unincorporated Butte County requires a building permit from the Butte County Department of Development Services Building Division; plans must show compliance with the 2025 California Building Standards Code (effective January 1, 2026) and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act drowning-prevention features.
The Department of Development Services has three divisions; Building, Planning, and Code Enforcement. The Building Division administers State and County building codes and ordinances to ensure buildings are safe for occupancy. This is accomplished by issuing permits, performing plan review, and conducting onsite inspections. The 2025 California Building Standards became effective on January 1, 2026. Any person entering into an agreement to build a swimming pool or spa, or to engage in permitted work on a pool or spa covered by this article, shall give the consumer notice of the requirements of this article.
Full Breakdown
' All construction in unincorporated Butte County, including swimming pools, spas, and pool barrier fencing, must be permitted through the Building Division before construction begins. Plans are reviewed against the 2025 California Building Standards Code (effective January 1, 2026), which includes the California Building Code, California Residential Code (which contains residential pool barrier provisions in Appendix V), California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, and California Energy Code. ), and the contractor must give the customer the consumer notice required by HSC 115924. com/BUTTECO/) or in person at 7 County Center Drive, Oroville. After the pool is built, the Building Division performs inspections, including a barrier inspection, before issuing final approval.
Violations & Fines
Building a pool without a permit is a building code violation that can trigger Code Enforcement action by the Development Services Code Enforcement Division, with stop-work orders, double permit fees, and abatement. An unpermitted pool cannot be sold without disclosure and may not be insurable. Failure to give the HSC 115924 consumer notice can subject pool contractors to disciplinary action by the Contractors State License Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool or hot tub?
How do I apply?
What codes apply to my pool plans?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butte County
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