Swimming Pools & Spas in Dakota County, MN (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Dakota County, Minnesota.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Dakota County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Pool Permits

Dakota County does not issue backyard residential pool permits; your city building department does. The county's role is limited to public and semi-public pools, which the Minnesota Department of Health regulates, and to septic/well setbacks on unsewered rural lots.

Dakota County Pool Permits: County vs City

Some Restrictions

Minn. R. 4717.0450, subp. 1

No public pool shall be constructed, installed, or materially altered until complete plans and specifications are submitted to the commissioner in duplicate and approved by the commissioner.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Residential pool fencing in Dakota County is set by your city under the Minnesota State Building Code, which requires a barrier at least 48 inches high with small openings. Public pools follow the stricter Minnesota Department of Health rule of a five-foot fence with self-latching gates.

Dakota County Pool Fencing Rules by Code

Heavy Restrictions

Minn. R. 4717.1550, subps. 2 and 6

The fence or wall must be at least five feet high; be equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates capable of being locked. Latches for new installations must be four feet above the ground.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Dakota County ordinances

See every category we cover for Dakota County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Dakota County Ordinance Hub →