Swimming pool permit rules in Santa Barbara County, CA — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
A Santa Barbara County building permit is required to construct, install, or remodel any swimming pool or spa in the unincorporated County. Plans must comply with the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act before final approval.
Under Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 10 (Building Regulations) and Chapter 31 (Swimming Pools), no private swimming pool or spa may be constructed, installed, enlarged, or substantially remodeled in unincorporated Santa Barbara County without first obtaining a building permit from the County Planning & Development Department, Building & Safety Division. The County has adopted the California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2), California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) including Appendix V (Swimming Pool Safety Act), and the California Plumbing and Electrical Codes by reference, with locally adopted amendments. Permit submittals require a site plan showing pool/spa location and required yard setbacks, structural and equipment plans, the proposed combination of at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features required by HSC § 115922, and electrical bonding/grounding details. Public pools and spas require a separate plan review and operating permit from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Environmental Health Services Division, under California Health & Safety Code Division 104 and 22 CCR Chapter 20.
Building or filling a pool without a permit triggers stop-work orders, doubled permit investigation fees, and exposure of concealed work for inspection. Continued violations are enforceable under Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 1 (general penalty) as infractions or misdemeanors, with fines up to $1,000 per day and possible recordation of a notice of violation against the property.
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