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

Novato regulates pools through its building code rather than a stand-alone pool chapter. Section 101.2.14, in the administrative provisions adopted by Novato Municipal Code § 4-1.3, applies the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code to the construction, alteration, movement, replacement, repair and maintenance of aquatic recreation facilities, pools and spas, whether permanent or temporary, that are designed and manufactured to be connected to a circulation system and intended for swimming, bathing or wading. Section 4-1.4-14 lists the 2024 edition of that code.

The general rule in Section 106.1 requires the owner or authorized agent to apply to the building official and obtain a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing or moving a building or structure, and before installing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems. Section 106.2 item 8 is the only pool-specific exemption, and its conditions must all be met: the pool is prefabricated and accessory to a detached one- or two-family dwelling, it is less than 18 inches deep and does not exceed 5,000 gallons, and it is installed entirely above ground. Section 106.2 also states that an exemption does not authorize work that violates the code or any other law or ordinance of the City.

Pool safety is addressed twice more. Section 4-1.4.2.5 adopts Appendix Chapter CI of the California Residential Code, the Swimming Pool Safety Act, which it ties to Health and Safety Code sections 115920 to 115929. Section 4-3.1 records the City Council's finding that privately owned pools and other artificially created bodies of water kept without adequate supervision or protective measures are a severe hazard, particularly to small children, and Section 4-3.2 sends gates and doors to California Building Code Section 3109 as amended. Section 4-3.3 excludes publicly owned creeks, sloughs and water bodies open for public recreational use.