Long Beach Swimming Pool and Spa Zoning Regulations
In the City of Long Beach, a swimming pool or spa is permitted to be installed anywhere on a lot with the exception of the required front yard setback area [Section 21.45.165]. For single-family residences, the City of Long Beach requires that pools and spas be isolated from the home in accordance with California State Health and Safety Code standards [Section 21.45.165]. Associated pool equipment is strictly prohibited within the front yard and must follow specific property line setback and screening requirements for side and rear locations [Table 31-3].
Permitted Locations and Setbacks
According to the City of Long Beach Zoning Regulations, swimming pools and spas are generally flexible in their placement on a property provided they do not encroach into the front yard. The primary restriction is that no pool or spa may be placed within the required front yard setback [Section 21.45.165].
For developments in Residential Districts that include 21 or more units, the City may require the provision of recreational amenities, which can include a swimming pool as determined by the Site Plan Review Committee [Section 21.31.230].
Pool Equipment Standards
While the pool structure itself has broad placement permissions outside the front yard, the mechanical equipment required to operate the pool or spa (pumps, filters, heaters) must adhere to the standards set forth in the Permitted Projections and Structures table of the City of Long Beach Municipal Code.
| Structure Component | Front Yard | Interior Side Yard | Rear Yard | Street Side Yard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Equipment | Not Permitted | Property Line | Property Line | Property Line (Must include screening) |
Source: [Table 31-3]
Safety and Isolation Requirements
For any swimming pool or spa installed at a single-family home in the City of Long Beach, specific safety isolation is required. The installation must be isolated from the primary dwelling unit according to the standards found in Article 2.5 of Chapter 5 of Part 10 of Division 104 of the California Health and Safety Code [Section 21.45.165].
Regulations Across Different Zoning Districts
The City of Long Beach applies these special development standards for swimming pools and spas across various land-use categories:
- Residential Districts: Standards for pools and spas are governed by the requirements in Chapter 21.45 [Section 21.31.245].
- Institutional Districts: Swimming pool development within the Institutional (I) District must conform to the special development standards in Section 21.45.165 [Section 21.34.250].
- Park Districts: Any pool structures within the Park (P) District must follow the standards in Chapter 21.45 [Section 21.35.240].
Sections Cited
- Section 21.31.215 - Yard requirements
- Section 21.31.230 - Usable open space
- Section 21.31.245 - Accessory structures (Residential)
- Section 21.34.250 - Accessory structures (Institutional)
- Section 21.35.240 - Accessory structures (Park)
- Section 21.45.165 - Swimming pools and spas
- Table 31-3 - Permitted Projections and Structures in Required Yards