Long Beach, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Long Beach, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- General permit rule
- LBMC § 18.04.010(A): pool is a "structure"
- Exempt small pools
- ≤18 in. deep, ≤250 sq ft, no electrical/plumbing (§18.04.020(B)(16))
- Exempt above-ground pools
- <18 in. deep, ≤5,000 gal, no utilities (§18.04.020(B)(17))
- Grading permit trigger
- >100 cubic yards or 5 ft depth excavation, §18.04.010(B)
- Penalty
- Unpermitted structure, misdemeanor, §18.09.070
Summary
A backyard pool counts as a structure under Long Beach's building permit law, so any in-ground or substantial above-ground pool needs a Building Official permit. Only two narrow categories of very small, shallow pools are exempt under LBMC § 18.04.020(B)(16)-(17).
16. Swimming, bathing and wading pools not over eighteen (18) inches in depth, provide a distance from the pool to the property lines and buildings or structures not less than the depth of the pool, and not having a surface area exceeding two hundred fifty (250) square feet; there is no electrical or plumbing installation. 17. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling that are less than eighteen (18) inches deep, do not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons and are installed entirely above ground; it contains no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical installations regulated by this title.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
any building or part of a building or structure" in the City, and a swimming pool is a structure for this purpose. 020(B) narrows the cases where that's not true. 010(B) if excavation exceeds 100 cubic yards or 5 feet in depth. 010(C)-(D) apply to any pump, heater or lighting installation.
Violations & Fines
A pool built above the exempt thresholds without a building permit is an unpermitted structure under LBMC § 18.09.070, subjecting the owner to misdemeanor liability under Title 18's general penalty clause and a Building Official order to obtain permits retroactively, remove the pool, or bring it into compliance before it can be filled or used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a backyard pool need a building permit in Long Beach?
How deep can a kiddie pool be without a permit in Long Beach?
Do I need a separate grading permit to excavate for a pool?
What happens if I install an in-ground pool without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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Pool Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle pool permits.