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Residential: Installing a Swimming Pool or Hot Tub

Residential: Installing a Swimming Pool or Hot Tub

Select an option below to find information about Trade Permits for New Installations or Alterations to Existing Electrical, Plumbing, or Mechanical Systems.

Do I Need a Permit?
Who Should Apply?
Documents
Resources
Process
Payment and Fees
Typical Inspections

Do I Need a Permit?

Do I Need a Permit?

If you are doing any of the projects listed below, you will need a permit.
(This is not an all-inclusive list. If you have a question as to whether you need a permit please call 540-772-2065.)

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires a building permit for any swimming pool that is larger than 150 square feet in surface area, holds over 5,000 gallons of water, or is 24 inches or more in-depth. The code makes no distinction between in-ground, above-ground or inflatable pools, hot tubs or spas.

In-ground Pool – fiberglass, cement or vinyl lined
Above Ground Pool
Hot Tub or Spa

If you disturb more than 2,500 square feet of land while installing the spa or swimming pool, you may also need an Erosion & Sediment Control (ESC) permit.

Who Should Apply?

Who Should Apply?

Applying for a permit is an important decision because the permit holder(s) bears the ultimate responsibility that the work will comply with the code.

The homeowner is encouraged to have a licensed electrical and, if applicable, gas contractor apply for the electrical and gas permits, however, the homeowner may do so.
For pools, we recommend the licensed pool contractor obtain the pool permit, but the homeowner may do so.

Documents

Documents

Visit the links below for frequently requested documents for installing a swimming pool or hot tub.

Application for Residential Building Permit
Sub-Contractor Roster Sheet - The electrician or gas fitter may be added to the Building Permit if this form is filled out at the time of obtaining the permit.
Owner Affidavit - Complete if you are an owner, doing work to your primary residence. This must be notarized or signed in front of a Permit Tech in the Building Department.
Plot Plan - Shows the proposed distances from the pool to all property lines and the house. It is required to show compliance with the Planning Department’s setback requirements. Setbacks may be verified on GIS MAPS or by calling 540-772-2065. A survey plat with the pool location or a hand sketch showing the pool location with respect to the property lines and the house is acceptable.
Certification of Setback Compliance
Barrier Responsibility Form
Pool Guidelines

In-Ground Cement Pool Only – other documents to submit for review:

Submit two (2) sets of Building Plans.
Submit one (1) digital copy of plan (not required, but appreciated)

Resources

Pool Guidelines

Roanoke County GIS - This will help in drawing your plot plan if you do not have a survey

Process

Process

Fill out all the documents needed.
Bring documents to the Roanoke County Administration Building, 2^nd floor or email to permit@roanokecountyva.gov (Approximate turnaround time is 8 working hours when emailed).
A Permit Tech will verify all paperwork for completeness.
Once all paperwork is verified payment will be accepted.
In-Ground Cement Pools will be submitted for a 7 day review. Above Ground Pools and Hot Tubs will be issued the same day as submittal.
If a Review is necessary, when approved, the applicant will be called or emailed for pickup.
Permit, receipt and the Inspection Card to post, will be returned to the applicant.
Post Inspection Card at the site. This should be visible for the inspector and available for his signatures. Any approved plans must also be on site.
Call for Inspections.
Verify Permit Inspections are complete and Permit is closed.