Inground Pool Permit Process

Obtaining any applicable permits is the first step of the process towards construction of a new inground pool. It is a crucial process, ensuring not only that your construction complies with building regulations in your area, but also that your pool, home, and property are safe and secure.

Depending on your local municipality, there may be other inground pool permits you need to apply for aside from a building or construction permit. Each area has different requirements, and our experienced staff will assist you in checking with your local jurisdiction, but it is important to be aware of what you can expect.

inground pool permit

INGROUND POOL PERMIT

Inground pool constructions typically require a residential building permit to go ahead. Your local town hall or government center can provide you with any specific information on permit fees, inspection fees, and specific requirements to obtain a permit.

GENERAL INGROUND POOL PERMIT INFORMATION

Each municipality has specific inground pool construction regulations and restrictions, covering such things as pool size, location, fencing, and setback distances. You will need to show that your plan complies with these requirements in order to obtain your permit.

An inground pool permit can take anywhere from several days to several months to be approved. Ensuring you provide all necessary information when you apply will help move the process along. The costs involved include permit and inspection fees and will differ between jurisdictions and should be planned for when determining your budget. Site visits may be done as part of the process, or all information may be obtained through the documentation provided. Once issued, pool permits usually last between 6-12 months and will need to be renewed.

Some locations are more or less strict than others when it comes to the supporting documents and plans required to submit in your permit application. You will need to provide a plot plan showing the location of the inground pool, with distances between the pool and the fence and house. Panel layout of the pool, dig specifications, information on the pump and any other electrical installations such as lights may also be requested. Our staff will help to ensure you have all the required information.

permit for inground pool

POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL PERMITS

An ingroun pool permit may not be all you need. Additional permits and plans you will need to have in place can include a grading plan, erosion control plan, as well as information on forest conservation and soil quality testing.

GRADING PLAN

A grading plan is a document that shows the elevation of the soil around your property and the build area. It helps to illustrate predicted storm run-off and drainage patterns around your home and your new pool, so that excess rainwater flows off the property instead of towards any buildings or constructions.

If a grading plan is required as part of your permit application, we can recommend a certified engineer and guide you through the process.

EROSION CONTROL PLAN

Erosion control prevents soil from shifting, sliding, and moving. Erosion can be influenced by multiple factors such as slopes, rainfall, and soil type. Your grading plan will typically illustrate some of these characteristics, as well as methods of erosion control. This gives the building inspector a comprehensive overview of how construction of your pool will impact erosion on your property.

grading plan for inground pool

WELL & SEPTIC PERMITS

Generally, working around or near a well or a septic system requires a permit. It is common for the local municipality to have a local Sewage Enforcement Officer, who sites, permits, and inspects the site around the septic system to ensure the pool construction will not interfere with the system currently in place. 

SOIL TESTS

Your local municipality may require soil testing before your pool permit can be approved. Testing the soil before digging ensures the soil on your property is free from harmful chemicals, and that the foundation of your inground pool is safe and sturdy. Soil testing adds another cost to the permit process, averaging around $1,200. Identifying any issues before you start construction will save you money in the long run.

soil test for inground pool permit

CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION

Forrest Conservation Permit

Your inground pool construction must comply with the Forest Conservation Act, which is designed to protect and preserve trees during construction, minimizing the loss of forest resources. This is particularly important in areas near wetlands and forests, or on erodible soils. Our experienced staff will help you in determining whether you need a Forest Conservation Plan, which is a requirement in some cases.

Historic Area Work Permit

Although this is not common, a historic area work permit is required if your property is a historic site or located in a historic district. The application for a historic area work permit will be reviewed and approved by the local municipal committee. Some local municipalities may need to review your proposed changes before you apply for a historic area work permit.


AREA SPECIFIC INGROUND POOL PERMITS

The required permits for an inground pool construction vary by state, county, and city.

MARYLAND HOME IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION

The Maryland Home Improvement Commission regulates home improvement projects, including the installation of a new inground pool. All permits for Maryland are obtained through the MHIC.   Town & Country Pools is licensed in the state of Maryland and obtains the permits through the counties.

WEST VIRGINIA, VIRGINIA, DC

Each county/municipality has their own business license. All permits must be obtained through the local municipality. The timeframe for approval and the permits required vary, depending on the location of the inground pool project.

area specific inground pool permits

CONTACT TOWN & COUNTRY POOLS

Our experienced staff will help you understand the inground pool permit requirements and process for your specific municipality at our first meeting during the inground pool design process. Town & Country facilitates the permit process and most permits, with the exception of the grading plan, are included in our contracts.

You can be sure your design complies with your local setback requirements and will know what supporting documents you need when the time comes to get your inground pool construction underway. It may seem like a lot of restrictions and things to consider, but with the right approach you can develop the best design for your property.