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

The County of Santa Cruz Community Development & Infrastructure (CDI) department requires a building permit for the installation or alteration of any swimming pool, in-ground spa, hot tub, or pool enclosure. Per the County's IB-282 form, plans must be drawn to a scale of not less than 1/8 inch per foot and, for pools and in-ground spas, must be stamped and wet-signed by a California licensed engineer or architect. Plans must reference the current California codes (Building, Residential, Electrical, Plumbing) and Santa Cruz County Code Section 12.10.216. Submittals identify property lines, easements, setbacks, overhead utility lines, and any windows or doors with glazing within 5 feet of the pool, spa, or hot tub edge. Mechanical and electrical plans must show a weatherproof GFCI receptacle located between 10 and 20 feet of the water's edge, an electrical layout complying with the California Electrical Code, and two hydraulically balanced circulation drains at least 3 feet apart. A separate grading permit is required if fill exceeds 100 cubic yards exported off-site, fill spread on-site exceeds 2 feet in depth, or fill is placed on slopes steeper than 20 percent. Fees are based on department review fees and project square footage. Plans are submitted through the County's ePlan Review system.