Pool Permit in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a pool permit in Saint Paul?

A building permit is required for in-ground and above ground swimming pools with a capacity greater than 5,000 gallons. DSI's matching exemption is narrower than the headline number suggests: a prefabricated pool escapes the permit only if it is 24 inches or less in depth, does not exceed 5,000 gallons and is installed entirely above ground, so a deeper prefabricated pool under 5,000 gallons does not qualify. Three other approvals attach regardless of the building permit: new electrical wiring for a pool or hot tub is a separate electrical permit wired to National Electrical Code Article 680, the required pool fence goes through a fence plan review and must be field inspected, and excavating for an in-ground pool needs a grading permit. Zoning Sec. 65.923 keeps an above ground pool wall at least 10 feet from the property line and an in-ground pool wall at least 5 feet, keeps any pool at least 4 feet from a building on the same lot and out of a required front or side yard, and requires a four foot obscuring fence with a self closing, self latching gate around a one or two family property. Water capacity of an in-ground or above ground swimming pool; the prefabricated pool exemption additionally requires the pool to be no more than 24 inches deep and installed entirely above ground. Always confirm with the office before starting.

How much does a pool permit cost in Saint Paul?

The pool building permit is priced from the valuation table in Sec. 33.04(a), published as DSI's Building Permit Fee Schedule (Section 33.04 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, Effective: 2/25/2023). The pool's electrical work is a separate permit: Sec. 33.04(g)(4)j, "Swimming pools: Eighty-five dollars ($85.00) plus circuit charge," with a $85.00 minimum for one-family dwelling electrical work, circuits at $15.00 each and a $1.00 minimum state surcharge. The required pool fence is charged as a fence plan review at $45.00 for the first 200 lineal feet plus $15.00 per additional 100 lineal feet. Excavating for an in-ground pool is a grading permit at $39.00 for the first 100 cubic yards plus $29.00 for each additional 100 cubic yards. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

Where do you apply for a pool permit in Saint Paul?

You can apply through the Saint Paul permit portal or contact the City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull a pool permit themselves in Saint Paul?

Under Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. 326B.805, subd. 6, clause (3)): Minnesota requires a license to work as a residential building contractor, remodeler, or roofer, but it exempts an owner who builds or improves their own residential real estate if the owner occupies it, or will occupy it, for residential purposes, or keeps it as a rental once the work is done. That exemption lets a homeowner act as their own contractor and pull permits without holding a contractor's license. The exemption does not apply to an owner building or improving property for resale or speculation, and the law presumes speculation if the owner builds or improves more than one property within any 24-month period, unless each property is retained for rental. This is a licensing exemption only; it does not remove the separate requirement to obtain a building permit for the work itself. Confirm how Saint Paul applies this before you apply.