Sierra County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

In unincorporated Sierra County, swimming pools are built under a County building permit issued through the Planning Department and Building Inspection Division in Downieville. Sierra County Code section 12.04.080 adopts the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) by reference, including the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Plumbing Code, and California Electrical Code editions in force, which together set the technical standards for pool plumbing, suction outlets, electrical bonding, and required safety barriers. The County's building-permit exemption list in Sierra County Code section 12.04.030 (which mirrors CRC R105.2 and CBC 105.2) does not exempt swimming pools, so an in-ground pool requires a permit. Because Sierra County has no city beyond Loyalton, the County is the permitting authority for all unincorporated areas including communities such as Sierraville, Sierra City, Calpine, and the unincorporated land around Downieville. Plans are also checked for County zoning compliance, including yard setbacks for the parcel's zoning district. The County's adoption of the state Residential Code means the drowning-prevention barrier rules of the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code sections 115920-115929) apply at permit issuance and final inspection.