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.
Chico does not publish a standalone pool ordinance in the Municipal Code. Pool, spa, and hot tub installations are permitted by the Chico Building Division under Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (California Building Standards Code), which is enforced citywide per the Building Division's stated mandate. A building permit is required for in-ground pools, above-ground pools, and permanently installed spas before excavation or installation begins; plumbing and electrical sub-permits typically attach.
The Chico Building Division enforces 'all applicable building, mechanical, energy, accessibility, plumbing, electrical and housing codes and laws adopted by the City and State' (Chico Building Division program description). California adopts the California Building Code (CBC), California Residential Code (CRC), California Plumbing Code (CPC), and California Electrical Code (CEC) under Title 24 CCR — these contain the technical pool, spa, and barrier construction standards Chico enforces. State law also layers the Swimming Pool Safety Act (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§115920–115929), which requires building permit applicants for new pools or remodels to install drowning prevention safety features and obtain a final inspection sign-off (HSC §115922(c)). Permit submittals require a site plan showing the pool location, setbacks, equipment pad, and barrier/enclosure plan, plus electrical bonding and plumbing details. The Building Division operates at 411 Main Street and can be reached at (530) 879-6700 for permit intake.
Construction without a building permit is a violation of the California Building Code as adopted by Chico and may trigger a stop-work order, double permit fees, and code-enforcement citation. Final inspection sign-off cannot be issued unless the SB 442 / HSC §115922 drowning prevention features are verified by the building official.
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