Swimming pools: When is a permit needed?

Thinking of installing a hot tub or swimming pool this summer? You might need a permit for that.

According to City of Bartlesville’s Building and Permit Office, City permits are required before installing any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or wading that contains water more than 24 inches deep. This includes in-ground, above ground and on-ground pools, hot tubs, spas, as well as fixed, in-place wading pools.

“We want everyone to have fun this summer, but we also want everyone to be safe,” said Community Development Director Lisa Beeman. “The City has certain steps that need to be followed anytime these types of structures are installed. This is for the safety of our residents and to ensure access to utility easements and other issues that must be considered before installation.”

Requirements for swimming pools, hot tub and spa installations include:

  • Swimming pools may be placed in residential areas with a minimum 10-foot setback to the nearest property line. Fencing stipulations apply.
  • No pool may be constructed or erected in any utility easement.
  • The structure must be enclosed with a 4-foot fence having no opening or space greater than 4 inches and be equipped with a spring or automatic closing and latching gate with the latch being located at the top of the fence to prevent uncontrolled access by children from the street or any adjacent property.
  • If the pool is located closer than 30 feet to any property line, it must be screened by a masonry wall or a solid fence at least 6 feet high on any side facing the property line of any property in a residential district.

Applications may be obtained from the Community Development Department, located on the second floor of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave. or online. For more information, call the Community Development Department at 918-338-4237.

Photo, courtesy of Abbie and Matt Luker: Cousins Marcelo Dominguez, left, and Liam Luker, both 6 months old, took their first dip in the pool recently.