Spas and Hot Tubs

A permit is required to install or replace a prefabricated, portable spa or hot tub, which must be obtained prior to the start of work. These are spas and hot tubs that are brought as a unit from a manufacturer and can be placed above-ground or in-ground.

• One 11" x 17" plan set digitally stamped and signed by a licensed engineer, designer/architect, or homeowner responsible for preparing the plans. Plans must be legible and include a site plan of the new spa/hot tub location, including distance to all property lines from the spa/hot tub and from any associated equipment. Site plan must also include any distance from nearest overhead electrical, if nearby, and include the electrical service meter location and size.
• Include any manufacturer specifications.
• If you are installing a spa or hot tub at a property overseen by a Homeowners Association (HOA), provide a letter of authorization by the HOA Board or President or proof of HOA approval. 

Permit Required

A building permit is required.

Cost

Permit fee: $100

Timeline

Time to Receive Permit: 5 business days

Process

1. Submit your building permit application online.
2. After your submission (during prescreen), City staff will contact you with the fee amount owed based on your project scope. Staff will provide instructions for online fee payment. 
3. City staff will verify your application is complete. City Staff will provide any comments or corrections in 3 business days.
4. If corrections or missing information is required, you will need to reply to all of the City comments and provide any additional information as part of your resubmittal online.
5. The City has 2 business days to give you comments as part of the resubmittal. Each subsequent review, City Staff has 2 business days to provide comments. 
6. Once your permit application is complete and code compliant, the City will issue the building permit to your licensed contractor. 
7. As the new spa is installed or modifications/repairs to the spa are underway, your contractor will schedule City inspections online.
8. Once the construction is complete, the City Building Inspector will complete the final on-site inspection and the permit will be finaled. 

Requirements

Location Requirements

• Per City Code Section 36.12.55, all spas and hot tubs must be located at least five (5) feet from any property line. Any associated equipment must be at least three (3) feet from any property line.
• Outdoor spas/hot tubs shall be in compliance with CEC 680.42.
• Indoor spas/hot tubs shall be in compliance with the CEC 680.43.
• If the location of the spa is near windows/glass doors, verify compliance with CRC R308.4.5 (Glazing and wet surfaces).

Safety Requirements

• The spa must be equipped with an approved locking safety cover or otherwise comply with Assembly Bill No. 2114 (2011-2012 Swimming Pool Safety) and must be equipped with an approved anti-entrapment device.
• The spa/hot tub shall be UL listed and approved (CRC R102.4).

Electrical Requirements

• Exterior electrical outlets installed must be GFCI protected and in a waterproof enclosure (CEC 210.8(A) & 406.9(B)(1)).
• If a new service panel is required to accommodate the spa/hot tub, per City Code Sec. 8.51(C-D), a minimum 200 amps service is required for a single-family home and a minimum 150 amps service is required per duplex unit. 

Installation Requirements

• The spa/hot tub must be installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s installation requirements (CRC R106.1.2).
• If pipes carry wastewater from spa/hot tub, they shall be installed as an indirect waste (CPC 813.1).
• If you are installing a water supply inlet to a spa/hot tub, it must be protected by one of the following means (CPC 603.5.5 & 603.5.20):
  
  • An approved air gap,
  • A listed vacuum breaker installed on the discharge side, or
  • A backflow preventer.
• Noise generated by the spa/hot tub equipment must be in conformance with City Code Section 21.26. Noise cannot exceed 50 dBA during the hours of 10:00 pm to 7:00 am and 55 dBA during 7:00 am to 10:00 pm measured at any location on a residential property.  

Discuss Your Project

Ensure your permit application is complete on your first submission. Discuss your project with a member of our Staff to get your questions answered.