Spa Permit Requirements
The on-line permit is available for properties in Sunnyvale with a residential zoning district of R-0 or R-1.
Zoning district information is available on-line by clicking on E-Zoning.
This permit will allow a new spa or replacement of an existing spa that is portable and completely above ground.
The following are the minimum requirements that must be met based on the 2007 California Building Codes:
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Noise generated by spa equipment, except as regulated by Section 19.24.020 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code,
shall not exceed 50 db during the hours of 10:00 pm to 7:00 am or 60 db during the hours of 7:00 am
to 10:00 pm at any point on an adjacent residentially zoned property.
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The spa must be installed in accordance with the setback requirements of the zoning district as shown on the
site plan that will print out as the job copy plans.
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The spa must be UL listed and approved.
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The spa must not be located under or within twelve feet of any overhead utility lines.
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The spa cannot be located within 3 feet of a window, if it is closer than that, please contact the Building Division.
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All properties with a pool, spa, or other body of water greater than 18” in depth shall provide a fence that
meets the following criteria (SMC 16.44.030.):
- A minimum height of 60”.
- Any gates shall be self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60” above the ground.
- A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the fence of 2”.
- Any gaps or voids to be less than 4”.
- An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities, or other physical characteristics that would serve
as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of 5 years to climb over.
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The electrical portion of the pool and/or spa installation shall comply with the following requirements:
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All metallic structural components, underwater lighting, metal fittings, electrical equipment, etc.
within 5’ of the inside of the pool wall shall be bonded to the equipment grid with a #8AWG copper conductor.
(CEC 680.26)
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At least one GFCI receptacle shall be located at least 10’ and not more than 20’ from the inside wall of the pool.
(CEC 680.22)
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Lighting and fixtures within 5’ horizontally of the pool shall be installed at a height of not less than 12’;
lighting fixtures installed between 5’ and 10’ from the pool or fixtures less than 5’ in height shall be
GFCI protected. (CEC 680.22) A minimum height of 60”.
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All new and remodeled pools and spas shall have all suction outlets shall be provided with an anti-entrapment
cover meeting current standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). (California Health and Safety Code 115922)
The Spa Permit is NOT available on-line if:
- The spa is not in the back yard.
- The spa has separate equipment.
- The spa is located under or within twelve feet of any overhead utility lines.
- The spa has a roof/trellis over it.
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If any of the above conditions apply, the permit shall be issued at the One-Stop
Permit Center, City Hall, 456 W Olive Avenue. Specific process information
is available at the
Building Division web site.
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Inspections
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A final inspection is required after all the work is completed.
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