Do you need a permit for a pool or hot tub in Los Angeles, CA?
It depends on the details of your project.
Only a pool both 24 in deep or less and 250 sq ft of surface or less is exempt from the building permit.
Any water 18 in or deeper needs a barrier.
Private pools need a combined building-mechanical permit.
A person last checked these rules on October 22, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Los Angeles before you build.
Check your exact lot
Your zoning district sets the setbacks, and a flood zone can change the permit answer. Enter your address to see both.
Permits a pool or hot tub can need in Los Angeles
| Permit | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Building-mechanical permit (pool) | Los Angeles requires a combined building-mechanical permit for private pools. The adopted code (LAMC 91.106.2 item 8) exempts only pools no more than 24 in deep and with no more than 250 sq ft of surface; LADBS's pool bulletin says "or", so this uses the stricter code wording.Medium confidence |
| Electrical permit (pump, lights, bonding) | Pumps, heaters, lights, and the required equipotential bonding need an electrical permit.Medium confidence |
| Floodplain development permit | All development in a FEMA special flood hazard area needs a floodplain permit. |
Local details
- Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
- HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.
How to apply
- LADBS
- ZIMAS parcel and zoning lookup
- Phone: 311 (213-473-3231)
Common questions
- When does a pool or hot tub need a building permit in Los Angeles?
- Los Angeles requires a combined building-mechanical permit for private pools. The adopted code (LAMC 91.106.2 item 8) exempts only pools no more than 24 in deep and with no more than 250 sq ft of surface; LADBS's pool bulletin says "or", so this uses the stricter code wording. A pool or spa no more than 24 in deep and with 250 sq ft of water surface or less needs no building permit. Pumps and heaters still need an electrical permit.
- Where do I apply for a pool or hot tub permit in Los Angeles?
- Apply through LADBS, or call 311 (213-473-3231).
Sources
- LAMC 91.106.2, Work exempt from a permit (Building Code, as amended by Ord. No. 188,797, eff. 12/31/25; American Legal). Checked 2026-10-23
91.106.2. Work exempt from a permit. (Amended by Ord. No. 188,797, Eff. 12/31/25.)... Permits shall not be required for the following: 1. Work regulated by this Code that is valued at $2,500 or less, unless it impacts the structural stability of a building,…
- LADBS Information Bulletin P/BC 2026-014, Design and Construction of Swimming Pools (rev. 03-27-2026; its "or" conflicts with the adopted LAMC 91.106.2 item 8 "and"). Checked 2026-10-22
Combined Building-Mechanical permit shall be obtained to construct private pools... Neither building nor combined building-mechanical permits are required for the following pools: ... Swimming, bathing, and wading pools not exceeding 24 inches in depth or h…
- 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…
- 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
- 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...