If I purchase a home in Torrance California that has an in ground
concrete swimming pool and I want to remove the pool to create a flat
lawn, are there requirements that I must meet?  In other words, can
the pool just be filled and covered up, or are there special city or
state code and/or requirements that have to be followed, i.e., removal
of all of the concrete?

If there are requirement that I must meet to ensure the work meets any
of these codes/requirements please provide me with the details of
these requirements.

Gordon,

There are some requirements you will need to follow regrading the
demolition or removal of an in-ground pool.  The below is from

http://www.torrnet.com/city/dept/bldg/swimpool.htm

"The following mimimum guidelines will apply to all swimming pool
demolitions:

Full Removal
If a building is planned over or within 5 feet of the pool: 

1. Obtain a demolition permit. 
2. Remove the entire pool and all utilities. 
3. Backfill the cavity under the supervision of a qualified soil
engineer, with a minimum compaction of 90% relative density. A
compaction report is to be submitted and approved by City prior to
final.
4. Any alternative to complete removal must be proposed by the soil
engineer, reviewed and approved prior to permit issuance.

Abandoned In Place
If no building is expected to ever be built over or within 5 feet of
the pool:

1. Obtain a demolition permit (this will require a plot plan showing
pool location accurately with dimensions to property lines and
buildings).
2. Remove the bond beam, gunite and all improvements to a minimum
depth of 18 inches. Remove pool equipment, piping, rubble and debris
from the site.
3. Cap all drains. 
4. Cut 2 holes in the bottom of the pool, one in the deep end and one
in the shallow end. Each hole to be a minimum of 3 feet by 3 feet.
Holes are to be inspected prior to filling pool.
5. Fill the pool with sandy soil, compacting in 6 inch layers with
proper moisture and compactive effort (no soil engineer required) and
inspected by City. The inspector is to be notified of the fill
operation.
A building restriction will be placed on the property. No construction
will be allowed in the pool area or within 5 feet of the pool unless
the pool is re-abandoned in accordance with the standards shown above
in Part I."

I spoke with Linda at the Torrance City Building and Safety Department
and she said that you get a pamphlet that covers pool removal as well
as a permit application from her department.  She faxed it to me and
it is contains the exact information I have provided above. You can
contact the City at 310-618-5310 for more information.  Ask for the
Department of Building and Safety.

I wish you luck in the purchase of your new home and, should you
decide to remove the pool, good luck with that as well.

If you require and further clarification, please let me know.

-THV

Search Term(s): Torrance California Government

This researcher did an excellent job, providng a quick answer plus
provided a lot of detail with references.  I would rely on him/her in
the future without hestiation!

Gordon..

Thank you very much for the kind words and the tip.  I am glad I could help out.

Regards,

-THV