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

In unincorporated Stanislaus County, swimming pool and spa construction is permitted through the Department of Planning and Community Development, Building Permit Division (1010 10th Street, Suite 3400, Modesto; 209.525.6557). Per the County's published Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements handout, applicants must submit THREE plot plans showing the location of the pool, equipment, distances to property lines, structures, easements, and septic systems where applicable, plus the type and location of the enclosure/barrier, along with TWO sets of structural plans and engineering calculations. If the lot has a septic system, the plot plans must first be approved and stamped by the Department of Environmental Resources before the building permit application is submitted. The County requires a sequence of inspections: Inspection 1 (Pre-Gunite) for steel, plumbing, electrical and bonding; Inspection 2 (Pre-Deck) for forms, deck drains and equipotential bonding; and Inspection 3 (Pre-Plaster/Final) for the enclosure, barrier, alarms and electrical. A Special Final inspection applies when an approved pool cover barrier is used, which must be installed and inspected within ten days of the pre-plaster inspection. The County Zoning Ordinance (Title 21, Section 21.08.065) also governs where the pool may sit on the lot.