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

Yucaipa Municipal Code § 15.04.015 amends Section 105.2 of the California Building Code, the list of work exempt from a permit, and the pool exemption is narrow: a prefabricated pool accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that is less than 18 inches deep, does not exceed 5,000 gallons and is installed entirely above ground. The same section redefines "swimming pool" as any body of water created by artificial means with a water depth exceeding 18 inches, and the definition names swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, above and below-ground pools and vinyl-lined pools. Bathtubs and other plumbing fixtures fall outside it, as do man-made lakes, reservoirs, farm ponds, and ponds used primarily for public park, water conservation, irrigation or livestock watering purposes.

The code does not print a permit fee. Section 109.2, as amended in Yucaipa, sends the amount to the most recent City Council resolution on fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, solar, fire and grading permits, and the plan review fee set by council resolution must be paid when plans and specifications are submitted. A residential permit becomes invalid unless work starts within 365 days after issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days between required inspections. The Building Official can grant only one written extension, for 180 days, and the request must be in writing with justifiable cause shown. If no work has been done under the permit, the Building Official can authorize a refund of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee, on a written application filed no later than 180 days after payment.

Pool permits also carry an inspection gate. Section 3109.4 requires the Building Official to withhold plaster inspection or approval to fill a pool or spa with water until there has been compliance with all fencing and other requirements of the section. The barrier standards themselves, including the 60 inch height, are set in the same section. Appeals go to the City Council, which Section 113.3 designates as the board of appeals, and copies of the adopted codes are kept at the Building Division of the Development Services Department.