Swimming Pool Permit

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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 right location and has a proper enclosure. You may also need a separate building permit if you plan to construct a deck that is in addition to or adjacent to the pool or for a storage building for the pool pump and equipment.

Swimming Pool By-law

The Swimming Pool By-law 2014-58 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 include 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 1: Complete any applicable agency approvals

To avoid delays, complete all necessary approvals from other regulatory agencies before you apply.

The details and contact information are on the Applicable Law Checklist.

Other approvals might include:

Niagara Escarpment Commission
Niagara Peninsula Energy/Ontario Hydro (minimum setbacks from the hydro lines are applicable)
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
Regional Municipality of Niagara
Ministry of Transportation or other Ministries

Step 2: Submit your application, drawings, and pay the fees

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

Apply in your City Dashboard account. Fill in the information, and you will be prompted to upload your completed Application for a Permit to Install a Swimming Pool and other required documents.

Drawing and lot grading plan

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.
Lot grading plan: Inground pool applications also require a lot grading plan. It must bear the signature and seal of a practicing Engineer, Landscape Architect, 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.

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.

Pool Type	2025 Permit Fee	Performance Security Deposit	Total
Seasonal	$77.00	$0	$77.00
Above Ground	$232.00	$500.00	$732.00
Inground	$232.00	$750.00	$982.00

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.