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

In the unincorporated areas of Merced County, the Building & Safety Division (within the Community & Economic Development Department, 2222 M Street, Merced) is responsible for issuing building permits and inspecting all construction. According to the County's Guide to Building Permits & Inspections, swimming pools follow the same basic steps as other construction: permit application, plan check, permit issuance, and inspections. Required plans are limited to a site plan showing the location of the pool, all pool equipment, all required pool safety equipment (such as a fence or automatic cover), and an outline of adjacent structures, plus an engineered set of plans detailing the pool construction. Decorative rocks, waterfalls, or slides must be shown so the engineer can confirm the pool walls support their weight. The Guide states an explicit exemption: prefabricated swimming pools and spas accessory to single-family residences, duplexes, or lodging houses are exempt from a building permit when entirely above grade and not exceeding 5,000 gallons capacity, but plumbing and electrical permits may be required and the State-mandated pool barrier requirements still apply. The County has adopted the 2025 California Building Code; the Guide cites CBC Section 2406 for pool barrier safety glazing. Pool and spa plan review is also coordinated with Merced County Environmental Health.