Long Beach Pool Permit

What's Required in Long Beach

• Permit required for any pool 18 inches or deeper.
• Mandatory 5-foot high safety barrier around the pool.
• Self-closing and self-latching gates are required.
• Electrical permit mandatory for bonding and pump wiring.
• Plumbing permit for fill lines and drainage systems.
• Water efficiency and graywater systems must be disclosed.

Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pool Permits in Long Beach

In Long Beach, both above-ground and in-ground pools almost always need a permit — but the requirements differ. An in-ground pool always requires a building permit, plus electrical and plumbing permits, because of the excavation, structural shell, and bonded equipment involved. An above-ground pool needs a permit once it holds 18 inches of water or more; shallower seasonal pools are generally exempt from the building permit, though safety rules can still apply. Either way, a code-compliant safety barrier — a fence, or the pool’s own walls plus a self-closing, self-latching gate — and electrical bonding of pumps and lights are inspected before final approval.

Pool Permit Renewal in Long Beach

Most homeowners never “renew” a Long Beach pool permit the way you’d renew a license. A residential pool building permit covers the construction work and closes once the pool passes its final inspection. What can expire is an unused or unfinished permit — many building departments void one if work hasn’t started or been inspected within a set window (often 6 to 12 months), and you’d then re-apply or request an extension from the Development Services Department. Some cities also require a separate annual operating permit for public or shared pools, though that rarely applies to a single-family backyard pool. When in doubt, confirm the current rule and any renewal fee with the Development Services Department.

How to Get a Pool Permit in Long Beach

Frequently Asked Questions