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Swimming Pools & Spas in Story County, IA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Story County, Iowa.

Verified from official government sources

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

Pool Permits

Building an outdoor in-ground swimming pool in unincorporated Story County requires a Zoning Permit application submitted for review and action before construction starts. Above-ground pools are exempt from the permit but still must meet the county's pool-barrier and child-access rules.

Story County In-Ground Pool Zoning Permit

Some Restrictions

Story County Code of Ordinances § 88.07(5)

A fence or wall of at least four feet in height and designed to prevent unintentional access by a child shall enclose all outdoor in-ground swimming pools. Prior to construction, an Application for a Zoning Permit, as defined in Section 92.11, Required Permits, shall be submitted for review and action. Above-ground pools less than four feet in height or with stairways, ladders, or other accesse...

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Every outdoor in-ground swimming pool in unincorporated Story County must be enclosed by a fence or wall at least four feet tall and designed to keep young children from getting in unintentionally. Above-ground pools under four feet, or with stairs or ladders, need equivalent child-access protection instead.

Story County Pool Barrier Fence Rule

Some Restrictions

Story County Code of Ordinances § 88.07(5)

A fence or wall of at least four feet in height and designed to prevent unintentional access by a child shall enclose all outdoor in-ground swimming pools. ... Above-ground pools less than four feet in height or with stairways, ladders, or other accesses shall be appropriately secured to prevent unintentional access by a child. A zoning permit is not required for above-ground pools.

All Story County ordinances

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

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