Monterey Park, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Monterey Park, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2015 International Pool and Spa Code
- Authorizing statute
- Government Code § 50022.9
- Local amendment
- Administrative chapter replaced, § 16.01.040 applies
- Enforcing office
- Building Division, Public Works Department
- Maximum penalty
- $1,000 fine and 6 months jail
Summary
In the City of Monterey Park, Municipal Code Section 16.15.010 adopts the 2015 International Pool and Spa Code by reference, requiring a building permit before a residential pool or spa is constructed. Section 16.15.020 rewrites the adopted code's own administrative chapter so pool permit applicants follow the city's standard Title 16 procedures in Section 16.01.040 instead.
§ 4.10.020. General penalty. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor, the penalty for which is not otherwise prescribed, will be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars; by imprisonment for not more than six months; or by both a fine and imprisonment for each violation of this code. ... § 16.15.010. Document adopted by reference. Pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.9, the city council incorporates by reference the International Pool and Spa Code, 2015 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, Inc. ... § 16.15.020. Chapter 1, Part 2 Administration and Enforcement amended. Chapter 1 of Part 2 is amended in its entirety to read as follows: Chapter 1, Part 2 Administrative Provisions. For administrative provisions for this Code, see Section 16.01.040.
Full Breakdown
Section 16.15.010 states that, pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.9, the city council incorporates by reference the International Pool and Spa Code, 2015 Edition, as published by the International Code Council. That adopted code's own administration chapter otherwise requires a permit before constructing, altering, or repairing a swimming pool, spa or hot tub, but Section 16.15.020 replaces Chapter 1, Part 2 of the adopted code in its entirety so that, instead, an applicant follows the citywide administrative provisions in Section 16.01.040 alongside the same office that handles Building, Residential and Electrical Code permits.
As with the other Title 16 codes, undefined terms take the meaning set in Section 16.01.020, and Section 16.01.030 makes any Monterey Park amendment control over the adopted Pool and Spa Code where the two conflict. A residential pool project in the city also needs to satisfy the setback, fencing and other development standards found in Title 21's zoning chapters and, where applicable, the barrier requirements carried in through the adopted 2025 California Residential Code under Section 16.06.010.
Violations & Fines
Building a pool or spa without the required permit is a misdemeanor under the code's general prohibition, Section 4.10.010, because pool permit violations are not among the designated infractions listed in Section 4.10.030. Section 4.10.020 sets the penalty at a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, for each violation, and each day the unpermitted pool remains can be charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Monterey Park?
Which office issues Monterey Park pool permits?
What happens if I build a pool without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey Park 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.