Santa Barbara, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

A building permit issued by the City of Santa Barbara Community Development Department's Building & Safety Division (630 Garden Street) is required to construct a new residential swimming pool or spa or to remodel an existing one. Submittals follow the City's 'Residential Pool and Spa Plan Submittal & Barrier Requirements' handout, which directs applicants to Section 3109 of the 2019 California Building Code (referenced by Appendix V of the 2019 California Residential Code) and to City Ordinance #5919 for detailed requirements. Plans must be complete, accurate, drawn to scale, and include pool piping schematics with pipe sizes and materials, gas piping with BTU demand, electrical service and bonding details, and a completed California Energy form CEC-CF2R-PLB-03-E. Where new fencing is required because of the pool or spa, the fencing permit must be obtained prior to or concurrently with the pool permit. No water may be placed in the pool or spa until the required safeguards are installed and all associated work is approved. Public pools and spas additionally require Santa Barbara County Public Health Department approval per CBC 3109. Pool discharge and drainage must drain into the City sewer system. This is the incorporated City of Santa Barbara's process, separate from Santa Barbara County's permitting for unincorporated areas.