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Pools - Above and In-Ground

Revised: June 2009

Pool Information - Above and In-Ground

General Information

1. A building permit is required. The following is required:
   1. Building permit application filled out.
   2. 2 copies of the plat of survey, with the pool drawn on it, noting dimensions of the pool, pool deck and the dimensions to all lot lines and to the house.
   3. 2 sets of plans, indicate all electrical work.
   4. (Grading plan, may be required.)
   5. All contractors are required to be licensed.
2. A swimming pool is any above-ground or in-ground structure used or capable of being used for swimming, wading or bathing, 24-inches or more in depth, or with a surface area exceeding 75 square feet, including inflatable pools.
3. Pools and all other detached accessory structures shall not exceed 30% of the rear yard area (the land area behind the house), and are not permitted within the side or front yard (that area in front of a house or directly to the side of a house, for example.)
4. Detached accessory structures are to be at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, (15 ft if a corner lot) and they are to be located outside easements.
5. Pools are not to drain onto adjacent properties.
6. Electrical and fence final inspections are required for all pools.

Fence, Safety Barrier Requirements

1. All pools are required to be surrounded by a fence, either surrounding the yard, the pool area or pool itself. Such fence, including gates, is to be at least 4 feet tall or extend at least 4 feet above the adjacent grade.
2. Gates are to be self-closing and self-latching. Latches must be placed at least 4 feet above grade.
3. A separate fence permit is required.
4. The house may act as part of the required safety barrier, provided:
   1. If there is a door from the house to the pool, there shall be an audible alarm on the door or a power safety cover.
   2. Doors opening onto the pool area shall be self-closing, self-latching with a release 54 inches above the floor and swing away from the pool area.
   3. A deck which opens onto the pool shall require a safety barrier and shall comply with the safety barrier requirements including stairs and gates.
   4. A deck which opens onto the pool and which provides direct access to a house door shall be an alarm on the door or power safety cover.
5. A fence is not required if the following conditions are met, related to above ground pools:
   1. The walls of the pool are at least 3 feet in height from every point along the adjoining ground of the pool, and the pool has a fence or other barrier that is permanently attached around the entire pool as part of the pool structure and is at least 30 inches in height above the pool deck/rim.
   2. The pool entrance or stairway is latched or hinged, which locks at the top.
   3. There are not any openings or gaps between the fence and pool larger than 4 inches, except doors and gates.

Electrical Code Requirements

1. The City has adopted the 2005 National Fire Protection Association National Electrical Code (Electrical Code), as amended. A copy of the local amendments is available upon request.
2. Overhead utility wires are not permitted within 10 feet horizontally of the wall of the pool.
3. Underground wires are not permitted within 5 feet horizontally of the pool.
4. A receptacle for the pool pump motor shall be permitted between 5-10 feet from the inside wall of the pool or fountain, shall be single (not duplex) and of the locking and grounding type. It shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFI).
5. Other receptacles on the property shall be located at least 10 feet from the inside wall of the pool.
6. At least one 125 volt, 15 or 20 ampere receptacle, is to be located at least 10 feet, but not more than 20 feet, from the inside wall.
7. All 125 volt receptacles located within 20 feet of the inside wall of the pool shall be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFI).
8. For outdoor pool areas, lighting fixtures, lighting outlets and ceiling suspended fans (including paddle fans) shall not be installed over the pool, and must be at least 5 feet horizontally from the inside pool wall.
9. Switching devices shall be at least 5 feet horizontally from the inside of the pool wall.
10. For plug-in motors, the motor can be plugged into a receptacle, provided:
    1. Must be GFI protected.
    2. Must have weather proof cover that stays closed during operation.
    3. Electrical wires to be buried must be buried at least 6 inches deep and placed within rigid conduit.
11. PVC is not permitted for electrical components.