Swimming Pools & Spas in Bellingham, WA (2026)
2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Bellingham, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Bellingham lets homeowners skip a building permit for a small prefabricated above-ground pool, but only if it stays under 24 inches deep and holds no more than 5,000 gallons.
Bellingham Above-Ground Pool Permit Threshold
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 17.10.020 (Construction Administrative Code § 105.2, item 11)
105.2 Work Exempt From Permit... Permits shall not be required for the following: ... 11. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a 1- and 2-family dwelling or Group R-3 occupancy which are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground;
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Bellingham adopts the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code by reference, as amended by Washington's WAC 51-51, applying pool and spa safety standards to construction regulated by the adopted International Building and Residential Codes citywide.
Bellingham Swimming Pool Safety Code
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 17.10.010(A)(9)
Except as amended by this chapter, the following codes, published by the International Code Council, as now and hereafter amended by the state of Washington, are hereby adopted by reference: ... 9. 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code – Chapter 51-51 WAC.
Looking for Whatcom County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellingham city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Whatcom County →