SWIMMING POOL PERMIT

BUILDING PERMIT

A building permit is required for all inground and above ground swimming pools constructed in Howard County. Wading pools less than 24 inches deep do not require a permit.

WHAT IS REQUIRED

• A completed building permit application. Building permits for swimming pools will be issued only after applicable electrical and plumbing permit applications have been submitted to Howard County.
• Four (4) copies of plot plans to scale not to exceed 8.5” x 14”
• Plot plan should include the location of all existing structures and the proposed pool and equipment location. Distance to all boundary lines needs to be marked and the location to well and septic if applicable.
• A completed Declaration of Intent to Install Swimming Pool Safety Devices
• Payment of building permit application fee must be made at time of submission of the building permit application.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

• An approved minimum 48” high fence and approved safety devices shall be installed prior to the placement of any water in the pool.
• Fences shall comply with the setback requirements of the Department of Planning and Zoning.
• Final electrical and plumbing inspections must be approved prior to the final building inspection. The final building inspection includes the verification of the proper fence, gate and latches. Water cannot be placed into the pool before the final building inspection approval.
• The final inspection will not be approved until all required swimming pool safety devices are installed and fully operational.
• The property owner must be made aware that the fence and safety devices are an integral part of the pool and no final approval for the filling of the pool or its use will be given until the approved devices are in place.
• The pool contractor must assure that the property owner clearly understands the conditions that exist in the proper order to put the pool into use.
• Gas-fired pool heaters require approved County inspections of the pool heater connections. Pool heater connections are to be completed by Howard County registered Master Plumbers or Master Gasfitters.
• All swimming pools require approved County inspected electrical connections. These electrical connections must be completed by Master Electricians licensed in Howard County. Final electrical inspections include verification of the door alarms where applicable/required.

ELECTRICAL PERMIT

Electrical permits are required for items such as power to pumps and filters, and pool lighting.

Electrical permits for swimming pools must be applied for before or concurrent with the building permit application. Electrical permits are only issued to licensed electricians. An electrical permit application is completed by the electrician and issued within 2 days of the application.

PLUMBING PERMIT

Plumbing permits are required for items such as closed circuit pool heaters (those that may act as pressure vessels and need pressure relief valves) and associated gas lines and appliances.

Plumbing gas permits for swimming pools must applied for before or concurrent with the swimming pool permit application. Plumbing permits are only issued to licensed plumbers. A plumbing permit application is completed by the plumber and issued within 2 days of the application.

STATUS OF BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION

To determine the approval status of your permit, you may access the automated inspections and permit information system 24 hours a day at 410-313-3800. Building permits are issued/accepted between the hours of 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday through Friday

Permits>>Residential: Swimming Pool