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

VMC Title 15 adopts the California Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and Energy Codes by reference. California Building Code 105.2 (Permit Exemptions) item 7 exempts prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy when less than 24 inches deep, holding 5,000 gallons or less, and installed entirely above ground - Vacaville mirrors this exemption. Any pool exceeding those thresholds requires a building permit. Submittals typically include: site plan showing setbacks and pool barrier compliance (CBC 3109), structural plans signed by a licensed engineer for in-ground gunite/shotcrete pools, electrical plans for pumps and lighting (CEC Article 680), plumbing plans for circulation and any gas heater connections (CPC Chapter 12), and Title 24 energy compliance for pool heaters (covers and timeclocks required). Pool heaters must meet the California Energy Commission appliance efficiency standards (Title 20). The pool may not be located within the required front-yard setback of any zoning district, must be set back at least 3 feet from any side or rear property line per VMC 14.09.200, and must comply with the swimming pool barrier requirements at issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Vacaville is in the Solano County Department of Resource Management area for septic systems - pools sited on properties using septic systems trigger additional health-department review.