Pool Permits: Apex vs Raleigh
How do pool permits rules compare between Apex, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Apex and Raleigh have similar restriction levels.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Residential swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas in Apex require Wake County building and electrical permits when they hold more than 24 inches of water, plus inspection by the Apex Building Inspections Division at (919) 249-3418. Pools must be enclosed with a barrier meeting NC Residential Code Appendix V (2018) / Appendix NC-A (2024). Wake County also requires a site plan, the Residential Swimming Pool Installation and Inspection Affidavit, workers' compensation insurance documentation, and (for jobs over $40,000) a notarized owner-contractor affidavit. Septic system properties require setback verification.
View full Apex rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
In-ground and above-ground residential pools over 24 inches deep require a building permit from Raleigh Development Services under the NC Residential Code and NC Gen Stat Sec 130A-282. Permit fees run $200 to $500 depending on valuation, and separate electrical and plumbing permits are required. Pools must meet UDO Sec 6.7.5 setback and enclosure standards before water fill.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Threshold | Pools/spas holding more than 24 inches of water | - |
| Required Permits | Wake County building AND electrical permit | - |
| Submittal Portal | Wake County Permit Portal | - |
| Apex Inspections | (919) 249-3418, 322 N Mason St, Apex NC 27502 | - |
| Site Plan | Required - shows pool, decking, dimensions | - |
| Affidavits | Residential Pool Installation Affidavit, workers' comp affidavit | - |
| Septic Setback | Verification required for pools on septic | - |
| Barrier Code | NC Residential Code Appendix V (2018) / Appendix NC-A (2024) | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
Do I need a permit for a small inflatable pool in Apex?
Wake County's threshold is water depth. Pools, hot tubs, and spas that hold more than 24 inches of water 'need both a building and an electrical permit.' A small kiddie pool under 24 inches is generally exempt, but anything deeper triggers full permitting through the Wake County Permit Portal.
Who issues my pool permit - Apex or Wake County?
Building and electrical permits for residential pools are issued by Wake County through the Wake County Permit Portal. The Apex Building Inspections Division at (919) 249-3418, 322 N Mason St, performs inspections in the Town of Apex and enforces the North Carolina State Building Code.
What documents do I need to submit?
An application via the Wake County Permit Portal, a site plan showing the pool and decking with dimensions, the Residential Swimming Pool Installation and Inspection Affidavit, workers' compensation insurance documentation or exemption affidavit, and (for jobs over $40,000) a notarized owner-contractor affidavit. Properties with septic systems also need septic setback verification.
Raleigh FAQ
Do I need a permit for an inflatable pool?
Temporary inflatable pools under 24 inches deep are exempt. Larger soft-sided pools (over 24 inches) require the same permits as hard-shell above-ground pools.
How long does pool permit approval take?
Raleigh typically issues residential pool permits within 10 to 15 business days of complete application. Plan review delays are common if setbacks or barrier details are incomplete.
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