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

Under SBMC Title 15 and California Building Code Appendix V, an in-ground pool, spa, or above-ground pool deeper than 18 inches requires a building permit from the Community and Economic Development Department. Submittal includes a site plan with setbacks, structural and engineering plans for the shell and decking, electrical plans for the pump, lights, and bonding grid, plumbing plans for suction and return lines, and a barrier plan demonstrating compliance with California Health and Safety Code 115920 through 115929, the Pool Safety Act. Typical required inspections include pre-gunite steel, pre-plaster, rough electrical, bonding continuity, final electrical, final plumbing, and final building including a barrier inspection. Plan check fees are based on project valuation, with combined permit and plan check fees often between 1,000 and 2,500 dollars for a standard residential pool. Projects in areas with steep slopes, expansive soils, or fault proximity may require geotechnical reports. Unpermitted pools discovered by Code Enforcement must be brought into compliance through an after-the-fact permit that includes double fees and potential partial demolition to expose concealed work for inspection. Utility PSPS outages and summer heat can delay inspections, so contractors usually build in buffer time. Call (909) 384-5122 for Building Division scheduling.