How De Pere Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
De Pere maintains 93 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where De Pere falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Pool Permits
De Pere requires a building permit before any swimming pool, hot tub, spa or backyard pond is built or installed. Sec. 54-8(d) puts the building inspector in charge of approving fully dimensioned plans, and Sec. 54-8(e) sets a ten-foot side and rear setback with a five-foot gap from any structure.
Key details: Permit required for: Pools, hot tubs, spas, ponds 18 in.+ deep. Issuing office: City building inspector. Interior side/rear setback: 10 ft minimum from property line. Distance from structures: 5 ft minimum (except decks). Plumbing standard: Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 382.85.
Building without the Sec. 54-8(d) permit exposes the owner to the general Code forfeiture in Sec. 1-11(a), $1.00 to $2,000.00 per offense ($10.00-$2,000.00 for a repeat offense under Sec. 1-11(b)), and Sec. 54-10(a) lets the city add a fee for working without a permit on top of the standard permit fee once the pool is brought into compliance.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
De Pere requires a fence at least four feet high, measured from grade, to completely enclose every swimming pool, hot tub, spa and backyard pond, with gates that self-close and self-latch. Sec. 54-8(f) sets the barrier standard and lists narrow exceptions for locked hot tub covers and screened ponds.
Key details: Minimum fence height: 4 ft, measured from grade. Gate requirement: Self-closing and self-latching. Setback from pool: Fence at least 4 ft beyond perimeter. Opening limit: No gaps over 4 inches. Strength standard: Withstand 200 lbs of force.
Sec. 54-8 carries no fence-specific fine, so a missing or noncompliant pool barrier falls under the Code's general forfeiture in Sec. 1-11(a): $1.00 to $2,000.00 per offense, rising to $10.00-$2,000.00 for a repeat violation under Sec. 1-11(b), with each day of noncompliance a separate offense under Sec. 1-11(f). Because Sec. 54-8(d) requires the fence design to be shown on the permit plans before the pool is built, an unfenced or undersized barrier can also stall the permit itself.
The Bottom Line
De Pere's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming De Pere is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that De Pere can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.