Swimming pool permit rules in Richmond, CA — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
A building permit from the Contra Costa County Building Inspection Division is required before installing any pool or spa in unincorporated areas. In-ground pools must be at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines to the water's edge, and applicants must submit engineer-stamped structural details and a site plan through the ePermits Center.
Per the County's Pool and Spa Installation handout, the Planning Division requires in-ground pools or spas to be located a minimum of 5 feet from side and rear property lines to water's edge in unincorporated Contra Costa County; above-ground pools may require greater setbacks subject to administrative review. The Building Inspection Division requires a building permit prior to start of installation, applied through the ePermits Center at https://epermits.cccounty.us, based on the 2022 California Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, and Contra Costa County Municipal Code. Submittals must include: a Homeowner's Association approval letter (if applicable); a completed Building Permit application; a site plan showing existing structures, utilities, easements, proposed pool/equipment location, and setbacks; Sanitary/Environmental Health approval; and engineer-stamped structural details and calculations (built-in pools/spas) or UL listing for portable above-ground spas. For in-ground pools the first inspection is pre-gunite (underground conduit, water, and gas piping). Portable above-ground spas require a rough electrical and a final inspection. Multifamily and commercial pools require additional Environmental Health permitting.
Installing a pool or spa without a permit constitutes a violation of the Contra Costa County Municipal Code and the California Building Code, subject to stop-work orders, double permit fees, mandatory removal or correction, and abatement proceedings through the Building Inspection Division.
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