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

San Bernardino County Land Use Services, Building & Safety Division, requires a Pool and Spa Permit prior to construction of a pool and/or spa on a property in the unincorporated County. The County's permit page states the applicant must submit plans and any necessary supporting documentation for review and approval. The plan review verifies compliance with the California Building Codes, the San Bernardino County Development Code, and any other applicable laws and regulations. Pools and spas are expressly listed among the items that require a building permit before work begins. Applications, fee payment, and plan uploads are handled through the County's EZ Online Permitting (EZOP) portal at ezop.sbcounty.gov, where applicants can track progress and cost. The County's swimming pool requirements are summarized in Building & Safety Information Bulletin IB-0007, which references the California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 31 Section 3109, the California Residential Code Appendix CI, and Health & Safety Code Article 2.5 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act). Separately, fences and block walls over six feet in height require their own building permit. Building & Safety fee changes took effect July 1, 2025; applicants can use the County's online fee estimator. The County's Building & Safety office is at 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, (909) 387-8311.