Richmond, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Governing Law
- CA HSC §§115920-115929
- Required Features
- 2 of 7 minimum
- Enclosure Height
- 60 inches minimum
- Bottom Gap
- 2 inches maximum
- Opening Size
- Under 4-inch sphere
- Recent Update
- SB 552 (Jan 1, 2025)
Summary
Above-ground pools in Richmond CA are regulated under California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §§115920-115929). Permitted pools and spas must include at least two of seven drowning-prevention features, with a 60-inch enclosure as the most common option.
(a) "Swimming pool" or "pool" means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. "Swimming pool" includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools.
(b) "Public swimming pool" means a swimming pool operated for the use of the general public with or without charge, or for the use of the members and guests of a private club. Public swimming pool does not include a swimming pool located on the grounds of a private single-family home.
(c) "Enclosure" means a fence, wall, or other barrier that isolates a swimming pool from access to the home.
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.
115923. An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics:
(a) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground.
(b) A minimum height of 60 inches.
(c) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches.
(d) Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than four inches in diameter.
Full Breakdown
Richmond enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act through the Contra Costa County / City building inspection process when a building permit is issued for new pool construction or remodeling. Under California Health and Safety Code §115922, every permitted swimming pool or spa at a single-family home must include at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention safety features: (1) a compliant enclosure under §115923, (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching gate, (3) a safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346, (4) exit alarms on doors and windows with direct pool access, (5) self-closing/self-latching devices on doors with a release no lower than 54 inches above the floor, (6) an alarm sounding upon water entry, or (7) other approved means providing equivalent protection.
A compliant enclosure must be at least 60 inches tall, with no more than a 2-inch gap between the ground and the bottom and no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere. The local building official must inspect and approve the safety features before final permit sign-off. Above-ground pool walls 60+ inches tall may serve as the barrier if access ladders are removable or lockable. Senate Bill 552 amended the statute effective January 1, 2025.
Violations & Fines
Failure to install at least two compliant safety features blocks final permit approval. Operating a pool without inspected drowning-prevention features can trigger code enforcement and civil liability for drowning incidents under California premises law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool in Richmond CA?
Can the wall of an above-ground pool count as the barrier?
How many safety features does California require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
California rules heatmap·Compare Richmond to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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Pool Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle pool permits.