How Palm Coast Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide

Palm Coast maintains 106 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Palm Coast falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Fencing Requirements

Pool barriers in Palm Coast must comply with Florida Statute 515.29 and FBC Residential 8th Edition (2023) Section R4501.17. Required minimums: 48-inch barrier height on the outside face, less-than-4-inch sphere openings, max 2-inch ground clearance, horizontal members at least 45 inches apart (or vertical pickets less than 1-3/4 inches apart if closer), self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool, and latch release at least 54 inches above gate bottom. Palm Coast's above-ground pool guidance specifically requires the gate to swing outward and the latch at 54 inches.

Key details: Minimum Height: 48 inches above grade (outside face). Max Opening: Less than 4-inch sphere. Bottom Clearance: Max 2 inches above grade. Horizontal Member Spacing: At least 45 in apart, or pickets less than 1-3/4 in if closer. Chain-Link Mesh: 1-1/4 in max (2-1/4 in with slats).

A pool may not be operated or used until barrier requirements are satisfied. Operating a residential pool without a compliant barrier (or one of the four statutory alternatives in FS 515.27) is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS 515.27(2). The penalty is waivable if the owner corrects the violation and completes drowning-prevention education within 45 days. Palm Coast Code Enforcement may require corrective action before final pool inspection.

This is one of the stricter rules in Palm Coast's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Pool Permits

Palm Coast requires a building permit for any swimming pool, hot tub, or spa containing water more than 24 inches deep - this includes inground, aboveground, and onground pools, hot tubs, and nonportable spas. The permit is issued by Building Services at City Hall, 160 Lake Avenue, Palm Coast FL 32164, (386) 986-3780. Plans must comply with the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code Residential Chapter 45 (Sections R4501.17 through R4501.17.3), the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC Article 680), Florida Statute Chapter 515, and the Palm Coast Land Development Code. Permits are typically reviewed in approximately five business days.

Key details: Permit Trigger: Any structure with water over 24 inches deep (LDC + FBC R4501.17). Includes: Inground, aboveground, onground pools, hot tubs, nonportable spas. Adopted Codes: FBC 8th Edition (2023) R4501.17-R4501.17.3; 2020 NEC; FS 515; Palm Coast LDC. Issuing Office: Building Services, City Hall, 160 Lake Avenue. Phone: (386) 986-3780.

Constructing or filling a pool, spa, or hot tub over 24 inches deep without a building permit is a violation. Per FS 553.80(2)(b), the fourth and subsequent plan-review rejections for the same code violation may carry up to four times the original plan-review fee. Operating a pool without one of the FS 515.27 safety features is a second-degree misdemeanor (waivable if corrected and drowning-prevention education completed within 45 days).

Compared to other cities, Palm Coast takes a harder line on pool permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Safety Rules

Florida Statute 515.27 (the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act) lets Palm Coast pool owners satisfy pool safety through any ONE of five options: (1) a barrier meeting FS 515.29; (2) an approved ASTM F1346 safety pool cover; (3) exit alarms on every door and window opening from the home to the pool (minimum 85 dBA at 10 feet); (4) self-closing, self-latching devices on those doors with the release at least 54 inches above the floor; or (5) a swimming pool alarm meeting ASTM F2208. NEC Article 680 bonding/GFCI and ANSI/APSP-16 anti-entrapment drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Act) are also required. Failure is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Key details: Statutory Authority: FS 515.27 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act). Option 1 - Barrier: Per FS 515.29 (48 in, less than 4 in sphere). Option 2 - Cover: ASTM F1346-approved safety pool cover. Option 3 - Exit Alarms: Minimum 85 dBA at 10 ft on all doors/windows to pool. Option 4 - Self-Latch: Self-closing/self-latching device, release at least 54 in above floor.

Filling or operating a pool without one of the five FS 515.27 safety features, disabling exit alarms or self-latching devices, using extension cords for pool equipment, or removing ANSI/APSP-16-compliant drain covers is a violation. Operating without a compliant safety feature is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS 515.27(2). Public pools are separately regulated by the Flagler County Health Department under FAC Chapter 64E-9.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Palm Coast actively enforces its safety rules requirements.

Hot Tub Rules

Palm Coast treats hot tubs and nonportable spas as 'swimming pools' once the water depth exceeds 24 inches - a building permit from Building Services (160 Lake Avenue, (386) 986-3780) is required. Applicable codes are the 8th Edition (2023) FBC Residential Chapter 45 (Sections R4501.17 through R4501.17.3), 2020 NEC Article 680, FS Chapter 515, and the Palm Coast LDC. FBC R4501.17 (mirroring FS 515.27(1)(b)) permits a hot tub or spa to be equipped with an approved ASTM F1346 safety pool cover in lieu of a 48-inch barrier; the cover must be in place and latched when the spa is not in use.

Key details: Permit Trigger: Water depth over 24 inches (includes hot tubs and nonportable spas). Adopted Codes: 8th Edition (2023) FBC R4501.17-R4501.17.3; 2020 NEC; FS 515; Palm Coast LDC. Issuing Office: Building Services, 160 Lake Avenue, (386) 986-3780. Cover Alternative: ASTM F1346 locking safety cover (FS 515.27(1)(b)). Barrier Alternative: 48-inch FS 515.29 / FBC R4501.17 barrier.

Installing a hot tub or spa over 24 inches deep without a building permit is a violation. Operating it without either a 48-inch FS 515.29 barrier or a latched ASTM F1346 cover is a second-degree misdemeanor under FS 515.27(2). Using extension cords for spa equipment violates 2020 NEC Article 680. Penalties may be waived if the owner corrects the deficiency and completes drowning-prevention education within 45 days.

The Bottom Line

Palm Coast is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Palm Coast, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Palm Coast's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.