5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Jefferson County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Jeffco, a county Miscellaneous Permit is required for a swimming pool of any size (in-ground or above-ground) and related structures like diving boards and ladders. Hot tubs and swim spas do not need one. All must meet zone-district setbacks.
Jefferson County Planning & Zoning - Pools & Spas
We require a Miscellaneous Permit for swimming pools of any size (both in-ground and above ground) and related structures (diving boards, ladders, etc.). A Miscellaneous Permit is not required for hot tubs and swim spas.
Colorado's public-pool rule (5 CCR 1003-5, §3.24) requires a 60-inch fence with self-closing, self-latching gates and a latch at least 54 inches high; wrought-iron picket spacing no more than 4 inches. Private residential pools follow the county-adopted 2018 IRC barrier rules.
5 CCR 1003-5 §3.24 (Fencing)
Every swimming pool in a non-restricted public place shall be fenced to prevent unauthorized access to the pool except through controlled entrances. A building or structure can serve as a fence or barrier. Fencing shall be a minimum of sixty inches (60") high, and shall have self-closing, self-latching gates, with the latch a minimum of fifty four (54) inches high. Wrought Iron fence picket spa...
Public and semi-public pools in Colorado must submit construction plans to the state health department at least 30 days before building, be inspected, and be certified as built-as-approved before use. Barriers, disinfection, and drain standards under 5 CCR 1003-5 apply. Private residential pools are exempt.
5 CCR 1003-5, Article II
At least thirty (30) days prior to the construction, extension, enlarging, remodeling or modification of a public swimming area or related facilities, the plans and specifications complete with piping layout, equipment and mechanical specifications along with design calculations, shall be submitted for review and recommendations to the Colorado Department of Health.
Above-ground pools are treated the same as in-ground pools in unincorporated Jefferson County: a Miscellaneous Permit is required for a swimming pool of any size, and the pool must meet the setbacks and height limits of the property's zone district.
Jefferson County Planning & Zoning - Pools & Spas
We require a Miscellaneous Permit for swimming pools of any size (both in-ground and above ground) and related structures (diving boards, ladders, etc.).
Jefferson County does not require a Miscellaneous Permit for hot tubs and swim spas, but they must still meet the setbacks and height limits of the property's zone district. State rule 5 CCR 1003-5 defines a spa/hot tub and regulates only public/semi-public units, not private backyard tubs.
Jefferson County Planning & Zoning - Pools & Spas
A Miscellaneous Permit is not required for hot tubs and swim spas.
2 cities in Jefferson County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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