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Do you need a permit for a swimming pool?

Whether a swimming pool needs a building permit is decided by the city or county, not by one national rule. Of the 20 large cities whose swimming pool rule we verified, 14 require a permit and 6 exempt smaller or simpler projects and require a permit above a limit.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Pool permit rules in major cities
  2. Building permit and zoning are separate
  3. Above-ground pools
  4. What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)
  5. What cities charge for a swimming pool permit
  6. Before you start
  7. Sources

Pool permit rules in major cities

Each row is the rule that applies in that city. "Depends" means the city exempts work below a limit; the limit shown is the number in the city's wording, and the conditions that go with it are on the city page.

CityPermit needed?Key limit
New York City, NYDepends on size or scope1Exempt up to this area: 400 square feet1
Los Angeles, CADepends on size or scope2Exempt up to this area: 250 square feet2
Chicago, ILDepends on size or scope3Pools exempt below this depth: 48 inches4
Houston, TXYes5–
Phoenix, AZYes6Pools exempt below this depth: 18 inches7
San Antonio, TXYes8Pools exempt below this depth: 24 inches9
San Diego, CAYes10–
Dallas, TXYes11Pools exempt below this depth: 24 inches11
Jacksonville, FLYes12–
Fort Worth, TXYes13–
San Jose, CAYes14Pools exempt below this depth: 18 inches14
Charlotte, NCYes15–
Columbus, OHDepends on size or scope16Pools exempt below this depth: 24 inches16
Indianapolis, INYes17–
San Francisco, CAYes18–
Seattle, WAYes19–
Denver, COYes20Pools exempt below this depth: 24 inches21
Oklahoma City, OKYes22–
Philadelphia, PADepends on size or scope23Pools exempt below this depth: 24 inches23
Austin, TXDepends on size or scope24Pools exempt below this depth: 24 inches24

Building permit and zoning are separate

A building permit checks how the swimming pool is built; zoning decides where it can go and how big it can be. In New York City and Denver, work that is exempt from a building permit can still need zoning approval:

  • New York City. Any exemptions outlined by this rule will not grant authorization for any…1
  • Denver. Pools that are installed as a permanent structure require zoning and sewer use and drainage (SUDP) permits.20

Above-ground pools

  • Chicago: Depends on size or scope. Installing, altering, or removing a swimming pool serving a residential building with no more than 3 units (Group R-5 occupancy), that has a water depth of 48 inches or less and a 90% water volume of 5,000 gallons or less…3
  • San Diego: Depends on size or scope. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when the pool is supported directly upon grade, the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade, and the capacity of the pool does not exceed 5,000 gallons.10
  • San Jose: Depends on size or scope. Swimming pools that are prefabricated, above-ground, less than 24 inches deep, and hold a maximum of 5,000 gallons and used only at a single-family property.25
  • Columbus: Depends on size or scope. A building permit is required for the installation, repair, maintenance, or location of any swimming or wading pool that is capable of a water depth of more than 24 inches.16
  • Indianapolis: Depends on size or scope. Erection or installation of an aboveground swimming pool thirty (30) inches or less deep and fifteen (15) feet or less at its widest points…26

What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)

The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code. It is law only where a state or city adopts it, usually with changes, so the wording below shows how the model reads in published government copies, not the rule where you live.

  • Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.27 As published by Federal Way, WA (2021 IRC wording, with Washington and local amendments).
  • 7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.28 As published by Warner, NH (2015 IRC).
  • 2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.29 As published by Connecticut (statewide) (2022 CSBC amendments to the 2021 IRC).

What cities charge for a swimming pool permit

Fee lines as each city’s schedule states them, never added up into a total; how permit fees work explains valuation formulas and minimums.

CityFeeAs the schedule states it
Los Angeles, CAPool accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling (combined building-mechanical permit)75% of the fee determined from Table 1-A30
Phoenix, AZSwimming pool minimum permit fee and aquatics surchargeSwimming pools are subject to a minimum permit fee of $234. A $30 aquatics program surcharge is also added to every swimming pool permit in accordance to Ordinance G-3114.31
San Antonio, TXResidential Swimming Pool FeeResidential Swimming Pool Fee $414.0032
Jacksonville, FLIn-ground pool BID permit fee per 1,000 gallonsBID permit fee · $1.50 · Resource management fee · $0.5033
Jacksonville, FLAbove ground pools (includes plan review)Above ground pools (includes plan review) · $75.0033
Fort Worth, TX1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs: 33.0834
Fort Worth, TX3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits: 16.8734
Fort Worth, TX2. Reinspection fee2. Reinspection fee: 66.1534
Charlotte, NCTotal Construction Permit Value/Permit Fees (valuation table)$3,001 to $50,000 $59.70 plus $12.19 per $1,000 or part over $3,00035
Charlotte, NCCity of Charlotte - Residential Single-Family Reviews - Individual Residential Lot Review (zoning)$15536
Charlotte, NCCity of Charlotte - Stormwater Services Review: Additions, Deck, Pool, Retaining Wall, Shed, Detached Structure$5537
Columbus, OHSwimming Pools - Above-Ground (1, 2, and 3 Family)Above-Ground (includes 1 inspection) $10038
Columbus, OHSwimming Pools - In-Ground (1, 2, and 3 Family)In-Ground (includes 2 inspections) $30038
Indianapolis, INStructural Permit - Residential: Construction or placement of, or additions to, accessory Class 2 structureApplication $40; Review $150 (≤1,000 sqft) $25 per additional 500 sqft; Issuance $300 (200 - 1000 sqft) $25 per additional 500 sqft39
Seattle, WAUnenclosed pools accessory to Group R-3 OccupancyBase fee x 440
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $1.00 to $500.00$1.00 to $500.00 $20.00 041
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00$501.00 to $2,000.00 $35.00 041
Denver, COBuilding permit fee, valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00$2,001.00 to $25,000.00 $35.00 for the first $2,000.00 plus $8.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 50%41
Oklahoma City, OKSwimming pool/hot tub/fountain/spray grounds permit, eachSwimming pool/hot tub/fountain/spray grounds permit, each · $38.00 · $75.00 · 60-12-10 (b)22
Oklahoma City, OKElectrical: swimming pool wiringSwimming pool wiring · $74.00 · $93.00 · 60-18-26 (a)22
Nashville, TNBuilding Permit Fees for Residential Construction (one- and two-family, townhouses)1. Building Permit Fees for Residential Construction based on valuation. Residential construction includes one-family and two-family residential construction and townhouses as defined by the 2018 Edition of the International Residential Code, but not multi-family construction shall be $5.00 per $1,000 total valuation.42
El Paso, TXBuilding Permits: building/residential/swimming pool, spa$160 plus applicable technology fee43
Las Vegas, NVSwimming Pool / Spa: Gunite / Vinyl-lined / fiberglass116 Gunite / Vinyl-lined / fiberglass $237 $40644
Louisville, KYPartial alterations / structures other than buildings (valuation)The fee shall be $50 plus $2.50 per $1,000 of estimated cost.45
Memphis, TNPool or retaining wallPOOL OR RETAINING WALL $5.00/1,000 (NO MAX) $70.00 MIN46
Memphis, TNIn-ground residential pool, electricalE6.4 IN GROUND RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL $10046
Baltimore, MDSwimming pools, 1- and 2-family dwellingso. Swimming pools. 1- and 2-family dwellings $5047
Milwaukee, WIElectrical: hot tub or swimming poolm. Hot tub or swimming pool: $110.48
Albuquerque, NMPlumbing permit: swimming pool (private)$60.00 each49
Tucson, AZPrivate Swimming Pool$730.28 + plan review fee at standard hourly rate, minimum 1 hour50
Fresno, CAResidential swimming pools (simple electrical item)Residential swimming Pools 111.5051
Fresno, CASwimming Pool / Spa - ResidentialSwimming Pool / Spa - Residential 102.72 385.8551
Mesa, AZResidential Rate Table - Building Permit Fee (BPF) for Valuations of: $0 to$0 to $8,333 $220.0052
Mesa, AZResidential Rate Table - Building Permit Fee (BPF) for Valuations of: $8,334 to$8,334 to $16,667 $330.0052
Mesa, AZResidential Rate Table - Building Permit Fee (BPF) for Valuations of: $16,668 to$16,668 to $24,999 $440.0052
Virginia Beach, VAIn-ground and above ground pool permit$50 plus $5 per $1,000 of construction value53
Virginia Beach, VAPool fence permit$60.60 (includes 2% state levy and technology fee)53
Virginia Beach, VARight-of-way fee (in-ground pools only)$3553
Oakland, CASwimming Pool (Complete) - plumbing inspection item8. · Swimming Pool (Complete) · 940.26 Each54
Tampa, FLAbove-Ground Pool/Spa (residential)Above-Ground Pool/Spa $ 292.00 N/A55
Tampa, FLIn-Ground Pool/Spa (residential)In-Ground Pool/Spa $ 716.00 $ 876.0055
Arlington, TXResidential: Fence, Swimming Pool BarrierFence, Swimming Pool Barrier $50.0056
Arlington, TXResidential: Swimming Pool - In-ground (1 & 2 Family) (Spa included)Swimming Pool - In-ground (1 & 2 Family) (Spa included)* $325.00 each56
Arlington, TXResidential: Swimming Pool - Above-ground (1 & 2 Family)Swimming Pool - Above-ground (1 & 2 Family)* $200.0056
Austin, TXApplication Processing Fee$112.7657
Austin, TXSmall Projects Plan Review (Garage Conversions and Carport/Porch enclosures, Amnesty CO, Fences, Pools)$146.1557
Austin, TXAdditional Small Project$146.1557

Before you start

Find your city’s swimming pool rule with the permit checker. What to check before you buy materials (city limits, limits in the rule, zoning and HOA rules) and the order of the steps are in how to get a building permit; what an exemption does not cover is in work exempt from a permit.

Sources

  1. 1 RCNY §101-14 Categories of work that may or may not require a permitCity of New York, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  2. SEC. 91.106. PERMITS. (LAMC Ch. IX, Art. 1, Div. 1)City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Municipal Code, hosted by American Legal Publishing)Checked November 7, 2026
  3. What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? (Full List)City of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Guidance on Residential Swimming PoolsCity of Chicago, Department of BuildingsChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Residential Pools | Houston Health DepartmentCity of Houston, Houston Health DepartmentLast updated February 10, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  6. Residential Pool/Spa PermitsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  7. 2024 International Building Code Administrative Provisions (IBC Chapter 1), Phoenix amendmentsCity of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Residential Permits - City of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Chapter 10 Building-Related Codes (2024 International Building-Related Codes), City Code of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentEffective May 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  10. SDMC Chapter 12, Article 9, Division 2: Building Permit ProceduresCity of San Diego, San Diego Municipal Code (docs.sandiego.gov, Office of the City Clerk)Revised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  11. Chapter 52: Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes (City of Dallas booklet, current through April 23,…City of Dallas, Planning & Development DepartmentLast updated April 23, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Jacksonville (consolidated City of Jacksonville/Duval County), Public Works Department, Building Inspection DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Residential PermittingCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  14. Swimming Pools, Spas & Hot TubsCity of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated April 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  15. CLT Development Center - City of CharlotteCity of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Checked November 6, 2026
  16. Swimming Pools (information sheet)City of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesRevised April 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  17. Residential Development PermitsCity of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesChecked November 6, 2026
  18. Check if your construction project needs a permitCity and County of San Francisco, Department of Building InspectionChecked November 6, 2026
  19. 2021 Seattle Residential Code, Chapter 1 AdministrationCity of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  20. Swimming Pools, Spas, and Water Features - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  21. 2025 Denver Building Code (2nd Printing, November 2025)City and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentPublished November 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  22. Development Services Fee Changes (Fees Changing July 1, 2025)City of Oklahoma City, Development Services Department, Development CenterEffective July 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  23. Get a Building PermitCity of Philadelphia, Department of Licenses and InspectionsChecked November 7, 2026
  24. Work Exempt From Building Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  25. When Is a Building Permit Required?City of San José, Development Services Permit Center (PBCE)Last updated June 12, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  26. 2016 Building Standards and Procedures of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis (Chapter 536 etc.)City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 1, 2018Checked November 7, 2026
  27. International Residential Code (IRC), Section R105.2City of Federal Way, WA, Community DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  28. Work Exempt from Permits, 2015 IRCTown of Warner, NHChecked November 7, 2026
  29. 2022 Connecticut State Building Code (w/ Errata #1)State of Connecticut, Department of Administrative Services, Office of the State Building InspectorEffective October 1, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
  30. SEC. 91.107. FEES. (LAMC Ch. IX, Art. 1, Div. 1)City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Municipal Code, hosted by American Legal Publishing)Checked November 6, 2026
  31. PDD Fee Schedule, Phoenix City Code Chapter 9, Appendix A.2City of Phoenix, Planning & Development DepartmentEffective January 20, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  32. FY 2027 Development Fee ScheduleCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised October 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  33. City Fees (Categorized by Departments)City of Jacksonville, City Fees page (Building Inspection Division - Section 320.409)Checked November 7, 2026
  34. Ordinance No. 26-28781City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  35. Mecklenburg County Government Fee Ordinance, Land Use and Environmental Services (revised July 1, 2026)Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners / Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA)Revised July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  36. FY27 Residential Zoning Fees (PDF)City of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  37. FY 2027 Individual Residential Lot Fee Schedule (PDF)City of Charlotte, CLT Development Center (Planning, Design & Development)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  38. 2026 Combined Development Related Fee ScheduleCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesPublished 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  39. Fee Schedule (as of January 5, 2026) [XLSX]City of Indianapolis, Department of Business and Neighborhood ServicesEffective January 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  40. 2026 Fee Subtitle and related documents (SMC Chapter 22.900)City of Seattle, Seattle Department of Construction & InspectionsEffective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  41. Building and Land Development Fees - City and County of DenverCity and County of Denver, Community Planning and DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
  42. Codes Fee Schedule (Building-Permit-Fee-Scheudle-2025.pdf)Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Department of Codes and Building SafetyPosted December 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  43. City of El Paso FY2026-2027 Adopted Budget, FY 2027 Schedule C Departmental Fee ListCity of El Paso, Office of Management & BudgetAdopted August 18, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  44. City of Las Vegas 2020 Building User Fees (Building & Fee Table)City of Las Vegas, Department of Community Development, Building & Safety DivisionEffective July 1, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
  45. LMCO Chapter 150.096 Promulgated Fees & Regulations, Construction Permits and Inspection Fees (Revised 2/6/2024)Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government, Department of Codes and Regulations, Office (Division) of Construction ReviewRevised February 6, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  46. 2022 Fee Schedule, Building Section FeesMemphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code EnforcementPublished 2022Checked November 8, 2026
  47. Section 109. Fees (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
  48. A substitute ordinance relating to increasing various fees for permits, licenses, certificates, inspections and…City of Milwaukee, Common CouncilEffective January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  49. 2024 City of Albuquerque Uniform Administrative Code (Exhibit A)City of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  50. Planning and Permitting Fee Schedule (Adopted Year 1 Fee Schedule, FY27)City of Tucson, Planning & Development Services Department (PDSD)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  51. City of Fresno Master Fee Schedule - Planning & Development Fees (effective 07/01/2026)City of Fresno, Planning and Development DepartmentEffective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  52. Schedule of Fees and Charges - Development ServicesCity of Mesa, Development Services DepartmentRevised July 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  53. Residential Building Permits | City of Virginia BeachCity of Virginia Beach, Planning & Community Development, Permits & Inspections DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  54. Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee ScheduleCity of Oakland (Master Fee Schedule, Planning & Building Department section)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  55. Miscellaneous Projects Permit Fee ScheduleCity of Tampa, Development & Growth Management Department, Construction Services DivisionLast updated May 31, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
  56. City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective October 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 26-288)City of Arlington, Planning & Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  57. City of Austin Fee Schedule | Residential Building Plan Review & Inspection Permit FeesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026