Do you need a pool permit?
By Mario Bailey Last checked
It depends entirely on where you live, and the differences are larger than most national guides admit. We read the code, ordinance, or fee schedule published by each of 148 US counties and cities and recorded what it actually says.
Where are you building?
The rule is set locally and the spread is wide, so start with your own jurisdiction. We have read the published rule in 148 of them.
The short answer
Of the 147 jurisdictions where we have confirmed the rule, 59 require a permit outright, 88 require one only in certain conditions.
The most common published threshold is 24 inches, used by 53 of the 63 jurisdictions that state a threshold in inches. That leaves 10 of them on a different number, which is why a national rule of thumb is not a safe answer for your own address.
1 of the 148 jurisdictions publish nothing we could verify for this permit type. We record those as unconfirmed rather than guessing.
The size thresholds, and how much they disagree
88 of the 148 jurisdictions publish a specific number. They do not all measure the same thing: 3 incompatible units are in use for pool permits (inches, sq ft, gallons), and they cannot be averaged into a single figure.
Measured in inches (63 jurisdictions)
| Threshold | Jurisdictions | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 18 inches | 6 | Chandler, Pima County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, San Diego County, Indianapolis |
| 24 inches | 53 | Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Fresno County, Riverside County, Santa Clara County, Aurora, New Castle County, Brevard County, Charlotte County, Hernando County, Lee County, Leon County, Manatee County, Marion County, Palm Beach County, Polk County, Seminole County, St. Lucie County, DeKalb County, Gwinnett County, Hawaii County, Cook County, Overland Park, Wichita, Baton Rouge, Prince George's County, Worcester, Detroit, Grand Rapids, St. Louis, Jersey City, Buffalo, Rochester, Wake County, Cincinnati, Portland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Charleston, Memphis, Arlington, Austin, El Paso, Lubbock, Plano, Virginia Beach, Bellevue, Clark County, King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Tacoma, Thurston County |
| 30 inches | 1 | Williamson County |
| 42 inches | 1 | Lake County |
| 48 inches | 2 | Chicago, Lincoln |
Measured in sq ft (12 jurisdictions)
| Threshold | Jurisdictions | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 150 sq ft | 10 | St. Johns County, Arlington County, Chesterfield County, Culpeper County, Fairfax County, Fauquier County, Henrico County, Orange County, Prince William County, Stafford County |
| 250 sq ft | 1 | Baltimore County |
| 400 sq ft | 1 | New York City |
Measured in gallons (9 jurisdictions)
| Threshold | Jurisdictions | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1500 gallons | 1 | Cleveland |
| 3965 gallons | 1 | Milwaukee |
| 5000 gallons | 7 | Peoria, San Diego, Saint Paul, Kansas City, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth |
Measured in feet (1 jurisdiction)
| Threshold | Jurisdictions | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 4 feet | 1 | Boise |
Measured in feet in depth (1 jurisdiction)
| Threshold | Jurisdictions | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet in depth | 1 | Tulsa |
Measured in inches below grade (1 jurisdiction)
| Threshold | Jurisdictions | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 18 inches below grade | 1 | Town of Brookhaven |
Measured in inches in side wall height (1 jurisdiction)
| Threshold | Jurisdictions | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 24 inches in side wall height | 1 | Sterling Heights |
Thresholds are recorded as the jurisdiction states them. Which side of the number triggers the permit varies, so read your own locality's page before relying on one.
What a pool permit costs
140 of our pool permit rows carry a fee answer taken from the jurisdiction's own published schedule, across 140 localities. There is no single number to quote, and not because we did not look: jurisdictions price this permit in genuinely different ways. Some charge a flat fee, some a percentage of the job's assessed valuation, some a rate per square foot, and some do not price it at all because the work is permitted by a state agency or a utility instead. Each row below is that jurisdiction's own wording.
| Locality | Pricing model | What each pool permit schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandler Arizona | Flat fee | Flat $110 residential pool permit fee per Fee Schedule 4.6.4(d), a separate flat $55 fee applies to residential spas schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Gilbert Arizona | Flat fee | Swimming pool permit fee $300 for permanent in-ground pools/spas and $140 for portable above-ground pools/spas (fee... schedule | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Maricopa County Arizona | By valuation | In-ground pools are valued at $200 per perimeter foot with the Table 1-A fee applied to that valuation schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Mesa Arizona | Flat fee | Flat all-inclusive fee of $330 for a residential in-ground swimming pool or spa, plus a 4% technology improvement fee... schedule | 17 Jun 2026 |
| Peoria Arizona | By valuation | Swimming Pool, Spa and/or Hot Tub Permit is 345 dollars and Swimming Pool Plot Plan review is 87 dollars (Development... schedule | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Phoenix Arizona | Flat fee | Residential pool and spa permits carry a minimum $234 permit fee plus a $30 aquatics program surcharge under Ordinance... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Scottsdale Arizona | Per unit | Attached pools and spas are $0.61 per square foot plus a $237 base fee and a $195 planning inspection fee, per the... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Alameda County California | By valuation | No swimming pool line item appears in the Building Inspection Department Service Fee Schedule (Schedule A, effective... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Contra Costa County California | By valuation | The Building Valuation Data Supplement sets a "Swimming pool, lump sum of: $39,514.98" valuation, and the permit fee... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Fresno County California | By valuation | Special Services Fees item 21, 'Installation of private swimming pool or spa includes structural, plumbing and... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Los Angeles California | Per unit | The pool shell takes a valuation-based building permit with the LADBS Valuation Table pricing a concrete pool at $43... schedule | 17 Jun 2026 |
| Los Angeles County California | By valuation | There is no single pool price schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Orange County California | By valuation | Pool/Spa - New: valuation-based schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Riverside County California | Flat fee | Residential Pool/Spa (BSP-RES): $999.30 fixed fee schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Sacramento California | By valuation | Valuation-based building permit per CDD-0245 (rev 07-12-2026) using contract value or ICC valuation whichever is... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Sacramento County California | By valuation | No pool line item is published schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| San Bernardino County California | Flat fee | County Code 16.0204(i)(1) sets flat fees effective July 1, 2026 for "Swimming pools accessory to single-family... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| San Diego California | Flat fee | Per IB-501 Table 501C effective May 2026: Pool/Spa per master plan for a single dwelling $971.73 plan check plus... schedule | 17 Jun 2026 |
| San Diego County California | Per unit | PDS 613 (effective 07/10/2026, FY 25/26) line item "Swimming Pool/ Spa": Plan Review Fee $266.00 plus Permit Fee $955.00 schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| San Jose California | Flat fee | Base permit issuance $227 plus base plan review $325 plus base inspection $367, rising to $682 total inspection when a... schedule | 17 Jun 2026 |
| Santa Clara County California | Flat fee | The county charges single-family residential swimming pools as flat fees | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Aurora Colorado | Flat fee | There is no swimming pool or spa line item on the 2026 flat-rate schedule (Form #A175, footer "Flat-Rate Fee (Revised... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Denver Colorado | By valuation | No pool-specific fee line schedule | 17 Jun 2026 |
| Jefferson County Colorado | Flat fee | Pools of any size need a Miscellaneous Permit priced at $90 on the 2026 zoning fee table plus a separate Building... schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| New Castle County Delaware | By valuation | Building permit fees per the Deck and Swimming Pool requirement sheets (rev schedule | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Sussex County Delaware | Per unit | Sussex County Building Permit Fee Guide: construction value (table rates such as $128.10/sq ft residential, $52.23/sq... schedule | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Alachua County Florida | Flat fee | Flat fees: swimming pool (in-ground) $380.00, swimming pool (above-ground) $205.00, per the Building Fee Schedule... schedule | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Brevard County Florida | By valuation | Brevard's Residential Pool Permit Application fee table lists a Building Code Review fee of $75.00 for the first... | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Broward County Florida | By valuation | Pool work needs separate Structural, Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical permit applications per the county's Swimming... | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Charlotte County Florida | By valuation | At application: $94 flat fee for above-ground pools or $200 for in-ground pools, plus a 0.025 x building-fee surcharge | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Clay County Florida | Flat fee | FY24/25 Building Fee Schedule, Pool Permits (Section 208.5), effective January 1, 2025: minimum fee for the first... schedule | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Collier County Florida | Flat fee | Fee Schedule (Resolution 2025-231, effective January 1, 2026), Section U (Pool or Spa Permit Fees): private pool or... schedule | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Hernando County Florida | Flat fee | Swimming Pool, Above Ground: $140.00 schedule | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Hillsborough County Florida | Flat fee | Residential in-ground Pool/Spa permit fee is $475 flat, or $150 flat for an above ground pool or spa, each includes a... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Jacksonville Florida | By valuation | City Fees schedule (Municipal Code Section 320.409), Building Inspection Division (11) Swimming Pools: in-ground pools... schedule | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Lake County Florida | Flat fee | Private Above-ground Swimming Pools or self contained spa (includes electric): $91.00 schedule | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Lee County Florida | Flat fee | Fee schedule effective 2026-04-15: $50 application fee and $35 technology fee per application plus an operational... schedule | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Leon County Florida | Flat fee | Fee Schedule, "Swimming Pools" flat-fee category: "Above-Ground Pools $180.00," "In-Ground Pools $382.48," "Pool... schedule | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Manatee County Florida | Flat fee | Manatee County Development Services Building Fee Schedule, effective 04/01/2023 (R-23-043, R-23-045, R-23-046): Above... schedule | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Marion County Florida | Flat fee | Res Pool/Spa (Pool In-ground/Whirlpool Non-Portable): $250.00 schedule | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Miami-Dade County Florida | Flat fee | Installation of a residential swimming pool or spa carries a flat $640 building permit fee with separate electrical... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Orange County Florida | Per unit | The pool shell bills under the Accessory Structure schedule using the Fee Directory's $41 per sq ft pool valuation... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Osceola County Florida | Flat fee | Appendix A lists 'Swimming Pool/Spa In-ground' at $60.00 plan review fee plus $160.00 permit fee, and 'Swimming... schedule | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Palm Beach County Florida | By valuation | Charged by value of construction with a $75 minimum for a site-built in-ground residential pool, per the PZB Building... schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Pasco County Florida | Per unit | Base permit fee $45 plus $25 per unit for residential in ground swimming pools and spas per posted fee Resolution 18-17 schedule | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Pinellas County Florida | By valuation | $550 $550 base covers building, electric and plan review for a pool, spa or hot tub with deck up to $40,000 in value, plus... schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Polk County Florida | By valuation | Building permit fee by valuation per Construction Fees Resolution 17-025, which lists residential swimming pools in... schedule | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Santa Rosa County Florida | Flat fee | Per the Pool Permit checklist: Residential In-Ground Pool $313.17 schedule | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Seminole County Florida | By valuation | Swimming pools: $400.00 schedule | 13 Aug 2026 |
| St. Johns County Florida | Flat fee | Swimming Pool Fees (F.S. 553-80): Permit Issuance $11.00 schedule | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Volusia County Florida | Flat fee | Volusia County Building Permit Fee Schedule (Resolution 2005-191, as revised October 1, 2025, reflecting a 2.7 percent... schedule | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Cobb County Georgia | Flat fee | Pool permits carry a $250 minimum fee under the Cobb County Building Permit Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2024, plus... schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| DeKalb County Georgia | Flat fee | Building Permit Application (revised 01/01/2025): "Total Minimum Fees $245 ($195 Minimum Permit Fee | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Gwinnett County Georgia | By valuation | Planning and Development Fee Schedule, "Building Permit Fees (Effective July 1, 2024)", footer "Revised 05/23/2024" schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Hawaii County Hawaii | By valuation | Hawaiสปi County Code section 5-7-3(b), "PERMIT FEES" table (Chapter 5 Construction Administrative Code, 2020, ord... schedule | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Boise Idaho | By valuation | Building permit fee from Table No. 1-A by valuation (e.g schedule | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Chicago Illinois | Flat fee | Flat $400 to install a private in-ground or fixed pool or hot tub per Table 14A-12-1204.2, electrical work permitted... schedule | 17 Jun 2026 |
| Cook County Illinois | By valuation | Cook County Code of Ordinances Sec. 32-1: Building Permit Fee Schedule, item 16-B MISCELLANEOUS FEES, Swimming Pool... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Fort Wayne Indiana | Flat fee | Department of Planning Services Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, SWIM: Swimming Pools: "Residential" $200... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Indianapolis Indiana | Flat fee | DBNS Fee Schedule (Permits, as of 1.5.2026): Improvement Location Permit - Residential (ILP), "Other improvements... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Overland Park Kansas | By valuation | Development Approval and Permit Fees, effective 08/01/2025: for a Building Permit with work value of $19,000 or less... schedule | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Lexington Kentucky | Flat fee | LFUCG Division of Building Inspection Schedule of Fees, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2019 (document revised 10/27/21) schedule | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Louisville Kentucky | By valuation | LMCO 150.096 promulgated fees (revised 2/6/2024): partial alterations and structures other than buildings are $50 plus... schedule | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Baton Rouge Louisiana | Flat fee | Permit & Inspection Fees page: "Residential Swimming Pool Permit $500.00", plus "Technology Fee $25.00" charged on all... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| New Orleans Louisiana | By valuation | $60 $60 plus $5 per $1,000 of work to be performed schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Baltimore County Maryland | Flat fee | Building Permit Fee Schedule effective 07/01/26: Swimming Pool, Residential, Above Ground $60.00 schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Howard County Maryland | Flat fee | $100 $100 for above-ground pools schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Montgomery County Maryland | Flat fee | $360.68 $360.68 for a private in-ground swimming pool including its fence per DPS-Fees-ResConst-FY27.pdf effective 2026-07-01 schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Prince George's County Maryland | Flat fee | DPIE Fee Schedule, effective March 2, 2025: "Swimming Pool (In-ground) - Residential", minimum permit fee $297, "Total... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Boston Massachusetts | Flat fee | Pools need a Use of Premises Permit at a $50 primary fee per the ISD fee schedule effective 5/15/2023, with in-ground... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Worcester Massachusetts | By valuation | The building permit side has no pool line item and is priced by the general formula: "$12.00 per $1,000.00 or fraction... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Ann Arbor Michigan | Flat fee | Building Permit Fees (effective October 2019, revised 7/15/2025) carries a flat line item: "Above Ground Swimming... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Detroit Michigan | By valuation | Building permit fees are based on project cost under the BSEED Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, modified... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Grand Rapids Michigan | Flat fee | FY 2027 Planning, Design and Development Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026, Building Permits: "Residential Pool... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Sterling Heights Michigan | Flat fee | Building Permit Application 26-27 fee chart: 'Swimming pool (Above Ground)' $78.00, 'Swimming pool (Below Ground)'... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Minneapolis Minnesota | By valuation | No separate pool schedule schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Saint Paul Minnesota | By valuation | The pool building permit is priced from the valuation table in Sec. 33.04(a), published as DSI's Building Permit Fee... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Kansas City Missouri | By valuation | The pool building permit is priced from the one- and two-family valuation table in Sec. 18-20(b)(2): $52.00 up to... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| St. Louis Missouri | By valuation | Charged as a building permit on estimated construction cost: $25.00 application fee plus $19.00 for $0 to $1,000.00... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Lincoln Nebraska | Flat fee | Plumbing fee schedule line 'Swimming Pool (Res.)' $10 (Building and Safety Plumbing Fees page | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Omaha Nebraska | By valuation | Plumbing permit line items, Omaha Municipal Code Sec. 49-304: each below ground swimming pool $58.90 schedule | 3 Oct 2026 |
| Clark County Nevada | By valuation | Pool and spa permits add a flat $110 equipment and plumbing fee on top of the estimated decking and pool area... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Henderson Nevada | Flat fee | $712 $712 for a residential pool/spa combination plus $772 standard pool plan check schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Jersey City New Jersey | Flat fee | In-ground pools require $25 annual inspection fee invoiced in May | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Newark New Jersey | Flat fee | Newark municipal code Chapter 7:2-3.1 publishes no pool-specific fee amount even though the city's building subcode... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Buffalo New York | Flat fee | Residential building permit fee schedule flat fee lines: "Aboveground pool, spa, over two feet deep" $50.00 and... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| New York City New York | By valuation | No DOB filing fee for a pool that meets the 1 RCNY 101-14 Table 1 exemption, though a plumbing permit for the slop... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Rochester New York | Flat fee | Miscellaneous Fees on the city's building permit fees page: "Swimming pool" $85.00 schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Town of Brookhaven New York | By valuation | No Building Division fee schedule is published | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Town of Hempstead New York | By valuation | Charged as a building permit under Town Code 86-11C(1) as amended by Local Law No. 20-2024 (effective 4-2-2024): $200... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Charlotte North Carolina | By valuation | The county building permit is priced off total construction permit value under the LUESA Fee Ordinance (revised July... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Greensboro North Carolina | By valuation | Building Permit Fee Schedule, Document #1005 dated 12/19/24: 'Minimum permit fee - $85' schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Mecklenburg County North Carolina | By valuation | Trade permit priced off total construction value with a $59.70 minimum for projects not requiring plan review plus... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Wake County North Carolina | Flat fee | Residential Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs & Spas: 'Above-Ground swimming pools hot tubs & spas - Residential Permit Fee... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Cincinnati Ohio | By valuation | Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026: building permit fees run off project valuation under "NEW CONSTRUCTION - ADDITION... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Cleveland Ohio | Flat fee | General Fee Schedule effective January 2, 2014, item C(4) "Swimming pools (private/residential)", minimum fee $50.00 schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Columbus Ohio | Flat fee | Above-ground pools are a flat $100 with 1 inspection, in-ground pools $300 with 2 inspections, for pools deeper than... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Franklin County Ohio | Flat fee | Franklin County EDP Fee Schedule, 'Effective Jan schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Oklahoma City Oklahoma | Flat fee | Oklahoma City Municipal Code Chapter 60, General Schedule of Fees, Section 60-12-10(b): "swimming pool/hot... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Tulsa Oklahoma | By valuation | Priced as a building permit from declared valuation: application fee $64.00 for $0 to $15,000.00 of declared valuation... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Eugene Oregon | By valuation | From the Construction Permit Fees schedule effective July 1, 2026 (Exhibit A to Administrative Order No. 53-26-01-F):... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Portland Oregon | By valuation | Building and Other Permits Fee Schedule for the City of Portland, effective July 10, 2026: Building Permit Fee is... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Philadelphia Pennsylvania | Flat fee | Flat $69 building permit fee for a pool or spa accessory to a one or two family dwelling, with separate electrical and... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Pittsburgh Pennsylvania | By valuation | 2026 PLI Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026: "Base Permit Fee (Residential) $6.00 per $1,000 of Construction Value... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Charleston South Carolina | By valuation | The pool guideline says the Application Fee, Plan Review Fee and Building Permit Fee all come from page 4 of the... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Columbia South Carolina | By valuation | Residential building permit under Code of Ordinances Sec. 5-204(a)(2): $20.00 for total value of $1.00 to $5,000.00... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Memphis Tennessee | Flat fee | POOL OR RETAINING WALL $5.00/1,000 (NO MAX) with a $70.00 minimum, per the 2022 Fee Schedule, Building Section... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Nashville Tennessee | Per unit | Billed as a residential building permit at $5 per $1,000 of valuation plus a $25 zoning fee and 10% codes tech fee... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Williamson County Tennessee | By valuation | No pool-specific line schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Arlington Texas | Not priced | Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective June 1, 2026, Resolution No. 26 - 151, Residential... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Austin Texas | Flat fee | Pools are named directly in the Small Projects Plan Review fee of $132.86, per the FY2025-26 DSD residential fee... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Corpus Christi Texas | Per unit | The FY 2026 Development Fee Schedule publishes no pool line item schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Dallas Texas | Flat fee | No residential pool construction line (Code Compliance's annual pool operating permit is a different permit) schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| El Paso Texas | Flat fee | FY 2026 Schedule C Departmental Fee List, Planning & Inspections: Building Permits line "building/residential/swimming... schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Fort Worth Texas | Flat fee | The Schedule of Electrical Fees, Table 1-J, carries a flat "Swimming pools: $53.79" line schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Houston Texas | By valuation | Residential pool plan review costs $94 plus a $127.56 plan review fee and $33.56 admin fee, required before the... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Lubbock Texas | Per unit | The Building Safety Fee Schedule for fiscal year October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 has no swimming pool line item schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| Plano Texas | By valuation | Building Inspections Fee Schedule effective Jan schedule | 15 Aug 2026 |
| San Antonio Texas | Flat fee | Flat $360 residential swimming pool permit fee, per the FY2026 Development Fee Schedule schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Arlington County Virginia | By valuation | Fees per FY27 ISD fee schedule schedule | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Chesterfield County Virginia | Flat fee | $57 $57 flat fee for an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool with barrier schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Fairfax County Virginia | Flat fee | Building permit to construct a swimming pool is a flat $83.50 per Appendix Q effective 2026-07-01, plus the schedule's... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Fauquier County Virginia | Flat fee | A residential pool is a flat $100 above-ground or $250 in-ground plus the 10% technology surcharge, per the county fee... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Henrico County Virginia | By valuation | Existing-dwelling addition or alteration permit fee applies to swimming pools requiring a permit: $100 for the first... schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Loudoun County Virginia | Flat fee | Flat $260 covers both the county building and zoning permit fees for a residential pool outside an incorporated town... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Orange County Virginia | Flat fee | Flat $100 for an above-ground pool or hot tub, or $200 for an in-ground pool, each inclusive of electric bonding and... schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Prince William County Virginia | Flat fee | Private residential swimming pool building permit is $146.41 base ($183.20 with surcharges) plus a separate Electrical... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Spotsylvania County Virginia | Flat fee | Residential above-ground pools and hot tubs are $150, above-ground pools with a deck $240, and in-ground pools $430... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Stafford County Virginia | Flat fee | Residential pool plan review is $229 and inspection $222 schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Virginia Beach Virginia | By valuation | Residential permit fees start at $50 plus area or valuation based charges, plus a 2% state levy and a $10 technology... | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Bellevue Washington | By valuation | Pool equipment electrical inspection fee of $94 without plan review per Table 7 of Ordinance 6879 schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Clark County Washington | By valuation | Fees are established by county ordinance and calculated automatically during the application process schedule | 19 Jul 2026 |
| King County Washington | Flat fee | Most permit fees increased approximately 14% on January 1 2026 plus a $126 application screening fee schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Pierce County Washington | Flat fee | Where a permit is required: in-ground pool permit $230.00 schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Seattle Washington | Flat fee | An unenclosed pool accessory to a single-family or duplex home is a flat fee of four times the $292 SDCI base fee... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Snohomish County Washington | By valuation | Priced from the PDS valuation table starting at a $45 permit fee plus $29.25 plan check at the lowest valuation... schedule | 6 Jul 2026 |
| Tacoma Washington | By valuation | Pools 24 inches deep or more need a permit priced from $55 for the first $500 of valuation plus $32 per $100 over... schedule | 18 Jun 2026 |
| Thurston County Washington | By valuation | Building permit and plan review fees are valuation based schedule | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Madison Wisconsin | Flat fee | "Private in-the-ground swimming pools: $25.00 each permit" (MGO 29.09(3)(a), Group IV, Alterations And Special Fees schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
| Milwaukee Wisconsin | Flat fee | The DNS Private Pool Instruction Sheet (soc 03/18/25) instructs applicants to "Submit a check for $86.20* for a new... schedule | 16 Aug 2026 |
140 rows, every one taken from the jurisdiction's published schedule for pool permits and linked to its page. Every pool permit row also sits inside the cross-type study at what building permits cost.
Cite this data
PermitNotebook (2026). Pool Permit fees and requirements in 140 US localities, verified against published fee schedules. https://permitnotebook.com/permits/pool/
Pool Permit rules by state
33 states, 148 counties and cities. Pick your state for the locality-by-locality comparison, or go straight to your county.
| State | Localities | Required | Conditional | Not required | Thresholds published |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 28 | 19 | 9 | 0 | 150 sq ft, 24 inches, 42 inches |
| California | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 18 inches, 24 inches, 5000 gallons |
| Virginia | 12 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 150 sq ft, 24 inches |
| Texas | 10 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 24 inches, 5000 gallons |
| Arizona | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 18 inches, 5000 gallons |
| Washington | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 24 inches |
| New York | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 18 inches below grade, 24 inches, 400 sq ft |
| Georgia | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Maryland | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches, 250 sq ft |
| Michigan | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 24 inches, 24 inches in side wall height |
| North Carolina | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Ohio | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1500 gallons, 24 inches |
| Colorado | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Tennessee | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches, 30 inches |
| Delaware | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Hawaii | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Illinois uniform | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches, 48 inches |
| Indiana | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 18 inches |
| Kansas uniform | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Kentucky | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | None published |
| Louisiana | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Massachusetts | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Minnesota | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5000 gallons |
| Missouri uniform | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches, 5000 gallons |
| Nebraska uniform | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 48 inches |
| Nevada uniform | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | None published |
| New Jersey uniform | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Oklahoma | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 feet in depth |
| Oregon uniform | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Pennsylvania uniform | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches |
| South Carolina uniform | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 24 inches |
| Wisconsin | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3965 gallons |
| Idaho | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 feet |
A state marked uniform applies the same verdict in every locality we checked there, usually because a statewide code forbids local divergence.
How pool permits work, start to finish
Applying
A residential pool permit application covers both construction and safety: a scaled site plan, structural plans for the pool, a barrier plan showing how the pool will be enclosed, and an electrical plan covering bonding and the equipment disconnect.
- Pool and spa design and construction fall under the residential code chapter that folds in the swimming pool and spa code, and permit review checks plans against that chapter (IRC R326).
- The site plan must show pool equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters set back at least 36 inches from the outside of the required barrier (ISPSC 305.2.9).
- For an in-ground pool, engineered structural plans covering the shell and reinforcing steel, with the responsible structural engineer's license information, are a standard part of the submittal (per official pool submittal checklists).
- A barrier plan identifying the fence, pool structure, or dwelling wall that will enclose the pool must be submitted and must comply with the code's barrier chapter (ISPSC 305).
- Electrical plans must show the pool's equipotential bonding design, since the shell, perimeter surfaces, and metal fittings within 5 feet of the water must all tie into a common bonding grid (NEC 680.26).
- The electrical plan must also show a disconnecting means for the pool equipment that is readily accessible and within sight of the equipment (NEC 680.13).
Inspections and close-out
Pool inspections track the concrete pour: the steel and bonding grid are checked before gunite or shotcrete goes in, bonding is checked again before decking is poured, and the permanent barrier and remaining electrical work are checked at final before the pool can be filled and used.
- Before gunite or shotcrete is sprayed, the inspector checks the rebar against the engineered plans and confirms the equipotential bonding wire is stubbed out and tied into the steel, since it will be buried in concrete afterward (NEC 680.26).
- A bonding inspection separately confirms coping, decking, ladders, handrail cups, and any other metal within 5 feet of the water are tied to the bonding grid, and it must pass before coping is installed (NEC 680.26).
- A temporary barrier at least 4 feet high must enclose the site from the moment excavation starts until the permanent barrier is finished, and inspectors check for it throughout construction (ISPSC 305.1.1).
- A pre-plaster inspection confirms the circulation equipment's electrical work is installed and all bonding is complete before the pool's interior finish goes on (NEC 680.26).
- At final inspection the permanent barrier is checked against the code's requirements and the equipment and cover-mechanism bonding must be complete before the pool can be filled and used (ISPSC 305, NEC 680.26).
General practice; your locality's page carries its own process, fees, and portal. Sources: 2021 IRC R326 (adopting the ISPSC), ISPSC 2021 Section 305, and NEC 2020 Article 680, NEC 2020 Article 680.26 (equipotential bonding) and ISPSC 2021 Section 305 (barriers).
Common questions about pool permits
- Do I need a pool permit?
- For pool work it depends on the size of the job and where you are. A pool permit is issued by your city or county rather than the state, so the rule is local. Across the 148 jurisdictions where we have read the pool rule, 59 require a permit outright, 88 require one only in certain conditions.
- Is there a pool permit exemption?
- In 88 of the 148 jurisdictions we cover, a pool permit is not needed below a published threshold, and that threshold differs from one office to the next. The size thresholds section above lists each jurisdiction's own pool figure with its source, and the same pool job can be exempt in one county and permitted in the next.
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