Minimum Submission Documents

The following is the minimum list documents of documents required for submission. All submissions must be in an electronic format. Learn more about eplans. Acceptance of your permit application will be delayed if your submission package is incomplete. 

For pool:

• Building plans; see below for specific requirements.
• Geotechnical report.
• Site-related plan showing location of construction and landscaping.
• Construction cost breakdown including materials and labor. 

For hot tub:  

• Hot tub manufacturer's specifications 
• Construction cost breakdown including materials and labor. 
• Concrete pad details. Please note: if hot tub is to be placed on a deck, structural reinforcement and hot tub installation can be permitted on the deck permit. 

Building Plan Checklist

This information is the most common for a pool installation and is not representative of all the design and submission requirements you may encounter.  No plans are required for a hot tub. 

• List of materials used, including concrete strength and yield stress of steel strength. 
• Method of pool discharge drainage. 
• Wall section with size and spacing of reinforcing steel for concrete/gunite pools. 
• Manufacturer’s specifications for fiberglass pools, spas and hot tubs. 
• Assembly instructions for above-ground pools. 

Barrier Requirements

Outdoor pools and hot tubs must be protected with a barrier (fence) that meets the requirements of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The requirements for pool barriers are intended to provide protections against accidental drownings by preventing children from entering the pool area unattended. Some examples and key requirements are below for easy reference.  

Exemptions: 

1. Pools exempt from permit, do not require a barrier or cover. 
2. Powered safety covers for pools and lockable safety covers for hot tubs can be substituted for barriers if designed to meet ASTM 1346. 

General Requirements

• No opening in the barrier shall allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere. 
• Minimum height shall be 48 inches above grade measured on the outside of the barrier. 
• There shall be a clear zone of at least 3 feet between the outside of the barrier and any permanent, climbable structure includes (includes pool pumps, filters, heaters, etc.). 
• The inside of the barrier must be at least 20 inches from the water’s edge. 
• The clearance from the bottom of the barrier shall be: 
  • 2 inches or less to grass, gravel or mulch. 
  • 4 inches or less to concrete, wood or other hard surface. 
  • 4 inches or less between the top of an above-ground pool and bottom of the barrier when the barrier is installed directly on the above ground pool. 

 Solid Barriers

• No protrusions or indents other than normal joints or normal construction tolerances. 

Mesh Fences

• Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and…
• Bottom not more than 1 inch above decking or grade
• Shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere under any panel, even when lifted.
• Attachment devices connecting the panels must be at least 45 inches above grade.
• Mesh fences may not be installed directly on top of above-ground pools.
• Mesh fences such as Protect-A-Child or Life Saver Pool Fence are permitted provided such barriers meet the requirements of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

Horizontal and Vertical Member Fences 

Condition 1: Tops of Horizontal Members less than 45 inches apart

• If the tops of the horizontal members are less than 45 inches apart, they must be on the pool side of the barrier, and…
• Spacing of vertical members may not exceed 1 ¾”
• If there are decorative cutouts, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1 ¾” 

Condition 2: Tops of Horizontal Members 45 inches apart or greater 

• If the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, they may be on either side of the barrier 
• The spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches, and 
• If there are decorative cutouts in the vertical members, the interior width of the cutout shall not exceed 1 ¾” 

Chain Link Fence

• The maximum opening formed by chain link shall not be more than 1 ¾”
• Must meet barrier requirements.
• Must be self-closing/latching and swing away from pool.
• There shall be no openings ½ inch or greater within 18 inches of the latch.
• If the latch is less than 54 inches from grade, it must be located on the pool side of the barrier and be at least 3 inches from top of gate. 

Dwelling Doors or Windows which open into Pool Area

• Openable windows with sill heights less than 48 inches and doors shall have a water hazard entrance alarm as listed in UL 2017,
• A safety cover as listed and labeled in accordance with ASTM F 1346, or
• Other approved means of protection such as self-closing and latching doors that provide equivalent protections to the above requirements.