[villagetinker]

OP, you will need approval from ARC for the birdcage, no approvals for what goes in the birdcage. Depending on the type of hot tub and possibly the county you may need a SPA permit and and electrical permit. IMHO, you should get or at a minimum CONFIRM that ARC approved your project (I got burned one time). This will probably be a 2 part project, the first part being the initial contact with ARC, and the second being the detailed plan for the birdcage (I needed the outline drawing and the color of the aluminum). If the spa is within 5 (?) feet of any windows or electrical outlets, you will need spa permit and may need to make modifications to both of these. Send me a PM if you would like to discuss over the phone.