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

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.