Santa Rosa, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Santa Rosa, CA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit issuing department
- Santa Rosa Building Division, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3
- Phone
- (707) 543-3200
- Application portal
- Permit Santa Rosa (Accela Citizen Access)
- Applicable code cycle
- California Building Code Section 3109
- Demolition policy
- Building Division Policy 2.5.30
- Demolition inspections
- Minimum 2 inspections (mid-demo and final)
Summary
Any new pool or spa, remodel, or removal in Santa Rosa requires a Building Permit issued through the Building Division (100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3). Applications are filed through Permit Santa Rosa (Accela Citizen Access).
PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to identify the minimum requirements for the demolition or removal of an existing in-ground pool or spa. A building permit is required for the demolition or removal of a pool or spa. ... PERMIT SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: Provide three sets of 8 1/2 by 11 or larger plans drawn to scale showing all information necessary to describe the scope of work. At a minimum plans shall include all of the following: Property address; Assessor's Parcel Number; Fully dimensioned property lines; North Arrow or other direction designation; Location of all structures on the property; Location and size of the pool or spa to be removed; Dimensioned clearances from existing property lines, nearby structures, retaining walls and setbacks at time of permit application; Location of proposed removed debris and/or backfill storage during construction; Specifications and details for erosion control measures proposed during construction.
Full Breakdown
Under City of Santa Rosa Building Division policy, a building permit is required for the construction, alteration, or removal of a residential swimming pool or spa. Plans must include the property address, APN, fully dimensioned property lines, location of all structures, location and size of the pool or spa, dimensioned setbacks, structural details, and the drowning-prevention features being provided per CBC Section 3109. Permits are filed through Permit Santa Rosa (Accela). For pool demolitions, City Policy 2.5.30 requires a separate building permit, plan submittal, and at least two inspections (one to verify drainage holes and shell removal, one final). If the demolished area will eventually support a structure, the entire shell must be removed and engineered fill placed under a Geotechnical Engineer's supervision; otherwise an owner may file an acknowledgement to leave the shell in place with permeable drainage rock.
Violations & Fines
Building without a permit can result in a stop-work order, double permit fees, and code-enforcement action by the Santa Rosa Building Division. For demolitions completed without a permit, the city may require restorative work and may impose civil penalties. Contact (707) 543-3200 to verify whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install a swimming pool in Santa Rosa?
Where do I apply for a pool permit?
Do I need a permit to remove or fill in an old pool?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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Pool Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle pool permits.