Redding, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Redding, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Building Permit
- Required for any in-ground pool (CBC, adopted by Redding)
- Aboveground Exemption
- <= 5,000 gallons and < 24 in deep
- Front Setback
- 20 ft (in-ground); aboveground on rear half of lot
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft (in-ground or aboveground)
- Foundation Surcharge
- No encroachment under 1:1 slope from building footing
- Inspections
- Pre-gunite, pre-plaster, final (plus electrical/gas)
Summary
Redding requires a building permit to install any in-ground swimming pool, per the California Building Code as adopted by the City. Aboveground pre-fabricated pools no greater than 5,000 gallons and less than 24 inches deep are exempt from the building permit, but any pool of any size needs separate electrical and plumbing permits for pumps, heaters, and gas lines. Permits are issued through the Development Services Permit Center at 777 Cypress Avenue.
115922. (a) Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features... (c) Before the issuance of a final approval for the completion of permitted construction or remodeling work, the local building code official shall inspect the drowning safety prevention features required by this section and, if no violations are found, shall give final approval.
Full Breakdown
' Aboveground pre-fabricated pools holding 5,000 gallons or less and less than 24 inches deep are exempt from the building permit, but a separate plumbing permit is required for any gas line and a separate electrical permit is required for any pump, heater, or filter circuit. 02(C) per the City brochure): in-ground pools at least 20 feet from front property line, 15 feet from a corner-lot street-side line, and 5 feet from rear property line, with all setbacks measured from the inside face of the pool wall.
Aboveground pools must sit on the rear half of the lot and at least 5 feet from any side or rear property line. All pools must sit at least 5 feet from any residential or accessory structure, and an in-ground pool cannot encroach into an imaginary 45-degree line drawn down from the bottom of any building foundation unless a supporting engineered wall is built. Pool excavation may not encroach below a 1:1 slope down from any building footing or property line absent a stamped engineering design.
Submittal requires 3 copies of a scaled plot plan (1/8 inch = 1 inch) plus 2 sets of engineer-stamped plans with steel schedule, equipment specifications, and electrical layout. Required inspections: pre-gunite/pre-deck, pre-plaster (to verify barrier, alarms, light niche bonding), and final. Spas and hot tubs with locking ASTM F1346 covers are exempt from the Pool Safety Act drowning-prevention features per H&S Code §115925, but still need electrical and gas permits.
Violations & Fines
Operating or installing a pool without the required permits is a violation of RMC Title 16 and the California Building Code. Stop-work orders, mandatory drain-down until compliance, administrative citations, and double permit fees for retroactive permits are typical. Pre-plaster inspection failure - especially of the permanent barrier and gate hardware - is a common cause of red-tag, since the pool cannot be filled until the barrier is approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an inflatable pool in Redding?
Where do I apply for a Redding pool permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redding
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