Welcome to our new website!

Welcome to our new City of Niagara Falls website! Explore our updated pages, improved navigation, and new features designed to serve you better.

Please note that for approximately 24 hours, you may experience intermittent changes or minor glitches as the update is completed. By January 8, the website will be fully updated and operating smoothly.

If you encounter any issues after January 7, please report them by emailing service@niagarafalls.ca or by calling 905-356-7521.

Swimming Pool Permits

Are you planning to install a pool or private spa? You need a permit before you start any work to ensure the pool is in the correct location and has a proper enclosure. You may also need a separate building permit if you plan to construct a deck adjacent to the pool or for a storage building for the pool pump and equipment.

Swimming Pool By-law

The Swimming Pool By-law establishes regulations for all above-ground, in-ground, and seasonal pools installed within the City.  These rules include requirements for location and pool enclosures (fences and gates).

When the swimming pool is solely for the public's use, its installation requires a building permit under the Ontario Building Code. Some examples incldue hotels, motels, and community public pools. Public pools will require a building permit, not a swimming pool permit.

How to apply for a swimming pool permit

Step 2: Submit your application and drawings

Staff will review your application for completeness and ensure it complies with the Swimming Pool By-law and/or Ontario Building Code (OBC) and other regulatory requirements. Incomplete or non-compliant applications may delay or prevent permit approval.

Application

Drawing 

  • You must include a survey, site, or plot plan of the property. Refer to the Swimming Pool By-law section 2.1.2 for the information required to be on the plan.
  • The required drawing shall also include the location of all overhead hydro wires on or adjacent to the property on which the swimming pool is to be installed. Minimum setbacks from the hydro lines are applicable, and approvals from the utility may be required in advance. Visit Niagara Peninsula Energy for clearance information.
  • Refer to our sample site plan for a swimming pool

Lot grading plan

Inground pool applications also require a lot grading plan. It must bear the signature and seal of a practicing Engineer or Ontario Land Surveyor, who certifies that the drainage scheme depicted by the plan is designed to ensure that water will not accumulate at or near the building and will not adversely affect adjacent properties.

Damage

Please note that if damage to sidewalks, curbs, pavement, utilities, etc., adjacent to the site is noted prior to construction, Building Services should be informed before any work commences. If damage is noted, please include a photo of the damage with your Building Permit Application documents. 

Step 3: Pay the fees

Pay the required building permit fees when you receive notice that fees are payable via CityView portal. Payment can be made in the following ways:

  • Pay online through your City Dashboard account
  • Pay with cash or debit in person at the Building Department at 4343 Morrison Street (credit cards are not accepted)
  • Submit cheques payable to the “City of Niagara Falls” in person or by mail. Include the project address and permit number on the cheque notes.

For current pool permit fees, visit the Schedule of Fees page.

Utility locates - Ontario One Call

If you plan to dig, you must submit a utility locate request. This applies to any digging project, whether installing a pool, putting up a fence, or planting a tree.

  • Ontario One Call is a free service that helps locate underground utilities like gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables. Contacting them before you dig is not just smart—it’s the law in Ontario.
  • You or the contractor doing the work can submit a locate request online at ontarioonecall.ca. Submit the request at least five business days before you plan to dig.

Swimming pool permit inspections

Do not fill the pool with water before the inspection.

You are responsible for requesting all required inspections to finalize your permit.

The following are required inspections for pool permits:

  1. Pool enclosure inspection: All gates, doors and entrances to the swimming pool enclosure must be completed per the Swimming Pool By-law
  2. Site grading/final inspection: For in-ground pools, the site grading will be inspected per the approved lot grading plan. All grading must be designed to ensure water does not accumulate on adjacent buildings and does not adversely affect adjacent properties.

Once the permit is issued, all required inspections can be booked through your City Dashboard account, by contacting 905-356-7521, ext. 4330, or pbd@niagarafalls.ca. 

For helpful information, visit our Building Permit Inspections page.

Contact Us

City of Niagara Falls
Planning and Building
4343 Morrison Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6Z9
Canada
905-356-7521 ext. 4330
pbd@niagarafalls.ca