PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a pool or hot tub in San Diego, CA?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a pool or hot tub in San Diego, CA (for example: Above-ground prefab up to 5,000 gal: no permit).

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: high

Above-ground prefabricated pools up to 5,000 gallons sitting on grade at a house are exempt. In-ground pools need a permit.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see San Diego Development Services. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/what-permits-do-i-need

Where to apply

City of San Diego Development Services Department (online permits)

Permitting authority: City of San Diego Development Services Department. Applies inside the City of San Diego. Exemptions do not apply to designated historical resources, historic districts, or work that needs a development permit (for example environmentally sensitive lands). See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when the pool is supported directly upon grade, the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade, and the capacity of the pool does not exceed 5,000 gallons.”

Source: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter12/Ch12Art09Division02.pdf

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in San Diego

Pool or hot tub permits elsewhere in California

Pool or hot tub permits in other cities

Compare pool or hot tub permit rules in all 25 cities · All California cities