Rialto, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Rialto, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes - via Rialto Online Permit Center
- Building department
- Building & Safety Division, 150 S. Palm Ave, (909) 820-2505
- Applicable code
- 2025 California Building Standards (applications after Dec 31, 2025)
- Plan requirement
- Plans must show compliance with RMC Ch. 15.36 fencing rules
- State requirement
- 2 of 7 drowning prevention features (HSC 115922)
- Decking minimum
- 2 feet of decking and 1 foot of coping (RMC 15.36.050)
Summary
Building a pool or spa in Rialto requires a building permit through the city's Online Permit Center, with plans that show compliance with the pool fencing chapter, and the pool cannot be filled until fences and gates pass inspection. State law adds that any new or remodeled residential pool must include at least two of seven drowning prevention safety features verified at final inspection.
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: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home. (2) Removable mesh fencing that meets the ASTM International F2286 standard in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device. (3) A manually operated or power-operated safety pool cover that is accompanied by a label verifying that the cover meets the specifications of the ASTM International F1346-23 standard. (4) Exit alarms on the private single-family home's doors and windows that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa without any intervening enclosure. ... (5) A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on the private single-family home's doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa. (6) An alarm in good repair and operable as designed that, when placed in a swimming pool or spa, will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. ... (7) Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the features set forth above... (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
Rialto's Building & Safety Division (150 S. Palm Avenue, 909-820-2505) processes permits through the city's Online Permit Center, and all permits need a signed Declaration Form with the ID of the person who signed. 030); permit applications submitted after December 31, 2025 fall under the 2025 California Building Standards. 040, all swimming pool plans submitted to the city must show compliance with the pool fencing chapter, and no pool may be filled with water until fences and gates are in place and have been inspected and approved.
050 adds that pools pre-gunited without inspection must be removed to the existing excavation cavity, and constructed pools must have a minimum of two feet of decking and one foot of coping. At the state level, Health & Safety Code 115922 requires that when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven drowning prevention safety features, which the building official inspects before final approval.
Violations & Fines
Building without a permit is a code violation subject to misdemeanor prosecution ($1,000 fine and/or six months) or infraction fines under RMC 1.16.010, and administrative fines of $100 to $1,000 per day under RMC Chapter 1.10. Pools gunited without inspection must be removed back to the excavation cavity (RMC 15.36.050), and a pool filled before fence approval violates RMC 15.36.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Rialto?
What safety features does state law require when I permit a new pool?
When can I fill my new pool with water?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rialto
California rules heatmap·Compare Rialto to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pool Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle pool permits.