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

Montebello does not carry one section titled simply pool permits. Instead the requirement shows up from two directions that confirm each other. Section 15.48.090(A)(1), in the city's grading chapter, exempts an excavation below finished grade for basements or footings for buildings, swimming pools, walls or other similar structures from the separate grading permit, but only when that excavation is constructed pursuant to a valid building permit issued by the city, meaning the grading exemption exists precisely because pool construction already needs, and is expected to proceed under, a building permit.

Section 15.04.090(B), in the building code chapter, then confirms the permit process applies to pools specifically: all plans hereafter submitted to the city for swimming pools to be constructed shall show compliance with the requirements of this section, referring to the fencing standard, and final inspection and approval of all pools hereafter constructed shall be withheld until compliance is shown. Together the two sections establish that a pool builder must obtain a building permit, submit plans demonstrating the fence will meet the five-foot barrier and self-latching gate standard, and pass final inspection before the pool can be used.

If the excavation for the pool exceeds three feet in depth, encroaches on a public easement, or otherwise triggers the conditions in Section 15.48.070, a supervised grading permit under a civil engineer's oversight is layered on top of the building permit rather than substituting for it.