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

In the unincorporated areas of Lake County, a private swimming pool or spa is built under a county building permit issued by the Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division (707-263-2382), at 255 N. Forbes Street, Lakeport. The County's published 'Private Swimming Pool, Spa, Hot Tub and Barrier Requirements' handout regulates pools under 2019 California Building Code (CBC) Section 3109, modified by the County of Lake. The County defines a 'swimming pool' as any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing containing water over 18 inches deep, including in-ground and above-ground structures, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and non-portable wading pools. The handout requires that BOTH Part A (the perimeter fence/wall) and Part B (isolation of the pool from the home) be satisfied before the pool is filled with water. The County document also incorporates detailed electrical-code provisions for outdoor pools, spas, and hot tubs (bonding, GFCI protection, receptacle and lighting clearances) consistent with the California Electrical Code. Contractors who agree to build a pool or spa must give the consumer notice of the barrier requirements pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 115924 and CBC 3109.4.4.4. Because these are state-code-based requirements administered locally, applicants should confirm current fees and submittal details directly with the Building & Safety Division.