Swimming pool permit rules in Yakima, WA — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Residential swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas in Yakima require a building permit from the City of Yakima Codes Division when they hold more than 24 inches of water, under the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50) and Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51) adopted in YMC Chapters 11.04 and 11.22. A separate electrical permit is administered by Washington State L&I under WAC 296-46B (state-administered electrical inspection). Pools must be enclosed by a barrier meeting IRC Appendix V (2018) as adopted under WAC 51-51. Site plans showing pool, decking, setbacks, and property lines must accompany the permit application.
YMC Chapter 11.04 (Building Code) adopts the Washington State Building Code, including the IBC under Chapter 51-50 WAC. YMC Chapter 11.22 (Residential Code) adopts the Washington State Residential Code under Chapter 51-51 WAC, which incorporates the 2018 IRC with Washington amendments. The IRC defines a 'swimming pool' for Appendix V purposes as 'any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep,' which is the trigger for both barrier requirements and the building permit. Electrical permits and inspections for residential pool circuits, bonding (NEC Article 680), and equipment are administered by Washington State L&I under WAC 296-46B unless the City has a separate electrical agreement; the State L&I inspector confirms compliance with NEC bonding and grounding. Pool decks and structures supporting hot tubs and spas must meet the Washington State Residential Code load provisions; engineered design may be required for elevated decks supporting spas. Permit submittal goes to the Yakima Codes Division at 129 N 2nd Street, (509) 575-6126. Under RCW 19.27 (State Building Code Act), Yakima cannot adopt amendments to the State Building Code or State Residential Code that weaken statewide standards.
Installing a pool, hot tub, or spa with more than 24 inches of water without a City of Yakima building permit violates YMC 11.04 / YMC 11.22 and the Washington State Building Code. Operating a pool that has not passed barrier inspection violates IRC Appendix V (WAC 51-51). Electrical work performed without a Washington State L&I electrical permit violates WAC 296-46B. Decks supporting hot tubs without verified load capacity violate the Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51).
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