Chico, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Chico, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Exempt capacity
- 5,000 gallons or less
- Condition
- pool walls entirely above grade
- Applies to
- single-family residential occupancy
- Authority
- CMC § 16.10.020(K)
Summary
Chico exempts prefabricated above-ground pools at single-family homes from a basic building permit only if the pool walls sit entirely above grade and the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons.
K. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a building or structure designated as a Group R, Division 3 occupancy under the basic building standards adopted by or pursuant to Chapter 16.06 of this title if the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
CMC § 16.10.020(K) carves prefabricated swimming pools out of the general building-permit requirement, but only for pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 (single-family residential) occupancy that meet both conditions: the pool walls must be entirely above the adjacent grade, and capacity can't exceed 5,000 gallons. A pool with any wall below grade, or holding more than 5,000 gallons, needs a full basic building permit like an in-ground pool. The exemption is from the building permit only, the child-safety fencing requirement in § 19.76.020(D)(7)(b) still applies to any above-ground pool.
Violations & Fines
Installing an above-ground pool over 5,000 gallons, or with any wall below grade, without a building permit is unpermitted construction; the City can require a stop-work order and after-the-fact permitting, cited as an infraction under the general penalty provision, § 1.04.120.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool in Chico?
What if my above-ground pool holds more than 5,000 gallons?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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