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

56 (Swimming Pool Regulations) governs any out-of-doors body of water designed for swimming, dipping or immersion that has any depth in excess of 18 inches or a surface area exceeding 250 square feet. Above-ground pools meeting either threshold are covered. 56 requires the property owner to maintain a fence or wall not less than 5 feet in height that completely surrounds the pool, with openings, holes or gaps no larger than 4 inches measured horizontally. A dwelling house or accessory building may form part of the enclosure.

Gates or doors through the enclosure must have no openings larger than 4 inches and must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device that keeps the gate or door securely closed when not in use. Doors of an occupied dwelling are exempt from the self-closing requirement, but breezeway doors and back doors of garages that access the pool area must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch installed at least 4 feet 10 inches above the ground. Existing pools had to be brought into compliance within 90 days of the ordinance's effective date, and all new pools must be fully fenced before being filled with water.

A building permit through the Pittsburg Permit Center (65 Civic Avenue, (925) 252-4920) is required for pool installations, and electrical, plumbing, and barrier inspections follow current California Building Standards Code. California Health and Safety Code Sections 115921-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act, expanded by SB 442 effective January 1, 2018) requires new or remodeled residential pools at single-family homes to include at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features, including a compliant 60-inch enclosure, removable mesh fencing, an approved safety pool cover, exit alarms on doors leading to the pool area, self-closing self-latching doors, alarms, or other features specified in Section 115922.