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

Ventura's Building & Safety Division (501 Poli Street, Room 117; 805-654-7869) issues residential pool permits under the California Building Standards Code adopted by SBMC Division 9. Title 24 Part 2 (CBC) Chapter 31 governs special construction including pools; Title 24 Part 2.5 (CRC) Appendix V applies to detached one- and two-family pools. Required submittal items per City handout BS 519 include: (A) upslope setback from waterline to toe of slope; (B) downslope setback from waterline to top of slope; (C) length, width, and area of the pool; (D) distance from pool/spa to all existing structures (tempered glass may be triggered for nearby windows); (E) distance from pool/spa to all property lines; (F) location, dimensions, and setbacks of pool/spa equipment enclosure, including heater distance to any openable windows; (G) drainage routing to street or other approved discharge; (H) location of new or existing fencing enclosing the pool area including the required self-closing/self-latching gate; (I) distance to any protected trees; and (J) overhead-power-line clearances. A 'Call DigAlert at 811 prior to pool excavation' note must be added to the site plan. Pools and spas with permits issued on or after January 1, 2018 must comply with the SB 442 dual-safety-feature rule (HSC §115922): the pool/spa shall be equipped with at least TWO of the seven listed drowning prevention features (enclosure, removable mesh fence with self-closing gate, ASTM F1346 safety cover, exit alarms on doors providing direct access, self-closing/self-latching dwelling doors, alarm on the pool itself, or any other approved means of protection). A final inspection is required before the pool may be filled, and a Pool Safety Certificate (county form used regionally) documents the elected safety features.