Lima's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Lima, Ohio, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Pool Permits

The City of Lima requires a permit from the Lima-Allen County Building Department to install any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub holding water over 24 inches deep. Applications need plans and plot plans showing minimum 5-foot rear and side yard setbacks. Above-ground pools cost $50.50; in-ground pools $50.00 plus

Key details: Permit required: Yes: pools/spas/hot tubs over 24 inches deep. Setbacks: Minimum 5 ft rear and side yards. Front yard: No pools over 24 inches allowed. Above-ground fee: $50.50 (includes 1% tax). In-ground fee: $50.00 + $0.05/sq. ft. + 1% tax.

Installing a regulated pool, spa, or hot tub without the required building and electrical permits is a code violation enforced by the Lima-Allen County Building Department. Work must pass inspection before use.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Lima requires a barrier at least 48 inches above grade around any pool over 24 inches deep, with a maximum 2-inch gap at the ground. The City adopts CABO Appendix F for barrier design: openings cannot pass a 4-inch sphere, chain-link mesh is limited to 1¼ inches, and access gates

Key details: Minimum barrier height: 48 inches above grade. Max ground gap: 2 inches. Max opening: No 4-inch sphere may pass. Chain-link mesh: 1¼-inch square max (unless slatted). Lattice/diagonal opening: 1¾ inches maximum.

A barrier that fails these height, gap, or opening standards will not pass Building Department inspection, and the pool may not be used. Maintaining a non-compliant pool barrier is a code violation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lima actively enforces its fencing & safety requirements requirements.

The Bottom Line

Lima'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 Lima is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Lima's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.