Do you need a permit for a swimming pool in Fort Worth?
Yes. Fort Worth requires a permit for a swimming pool1.
On this page
Yes
Fort Worth's rule“All accessory structures require a building permit. This may include gazebos, outdoor fireplaces, fountains with plumbing, wind turbines, solar panels, radio towers, swimming pools, retaining walls, etc.”1
City of Fort Worth, Development Services Department, Pools and Other Small Structures
Which permits you need
| Permit | Required when | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit | All swimming pools (accessory structures) | All accessory structures require a building permit.1 |
| Electrical permit | Electrical work | Changing, moving, or repairing electrical equipment, including electrical services requires an electrical permit.1 |
Who can apply
- Registered building contractor or homestead owner-occupant1
- State-licensed trades; homeowner exception2
Pool permit fees in Fort Worth
Fee lines as Fort Worth's schedule states them. A minimum or base fee is not the whole price when the line says the fee grows with project value.
| Fee | Type | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical fee schedule, Miscellaneous: Swimming pools | Flat fee | Swimming pools: 56.483 |
| 1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs | Flat fee | 1. Permit Application Fee, Applicable to All Permit Types, Excluding Signs: 33.083 |
| 3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits | Technology surcharge | 3. Technology Fee applicable to all applications/ permits: 16.873 |
| 2. Reinspection fee | Re-inspection | 2. Reinspection fee: 66.153 |
All of Fort Worth's fee lines are on the Fort Worth permit page.
Review time
7 business days4. This is the department's published figure, not a guarantee.
Special areas and extra reviews
The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches ( 1219mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier, which faces away from the swimming pool.
5- Zoning limits1
- Historic/design districts need extra approval6
Texas law that applies
Who to ask
Development Services Department7
Building permits
- Website
- fortworthtexas.gov7
- Apply online
- aca-prod.accela.com8
- Phone
- (817) 392-22229
- Address
- New City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth 761029
- Inspections
- Online (Accela) or IVR 817-392-637010
Pool permit rules in other cities
Rules differ from city to city. Compare Fort Worth with 19 other cities on the national swimming pool permit guide, or go straight to one:
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- San Jose, CA
- Charlotte, NC
- Columbus, OH
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Philadelphia, PA
- Austin, TX
Sources
- Residential PermittingCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Fort Worth Administrative Building Code, Ordinance No. 25387-03-2022City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentAdopted March 8, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
- Ordinance No. 26-28781City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Review TimeframesCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- 2021 International Residential Code with Local Amendments, Ordinance No. 25383-03-2022City of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentAdopted March 2022Checked November 6, 2026
- Nuts & Bolts of Residential Building PermitsCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 6, 2026
- Development ServicesCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Building & Energy CodesCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- PermitsCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- InspectionsCity of Fort Worth, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026