5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Washington County, Arkansas.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Washington County enforces no building code, so a residential pool needs no county building permit or inspection. A floodplain development permit still applies in flood zones, and pools tied to new sewage need Health Department septic approval.
Washington County, Ark., Planning Department, Building Code Enforcement
Washington County does not enforce building codes for agricultural buildings or single-family homes in unincorporated areas, thus, no building permits or inspections will be required, and no certificates of occupancy will be issued unless requested.
Unincorporated Washington County enforces no residential building code, so it mandates no pool barrier. But Fayetteville and Springdale enforce the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, which requires a 48-inch barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Arkansas Department of Health, Swimming Pool FAQs
The Arkansas Department of Health does not regulate single-family residential pools.
No state or county agency inspects a private pool in Washington County; the Arkansas Department of Health regulates only public pools. Federal anti-entrapment drain law and Arkansas premises liability put safety squarely on the owner.
Arkansas Department of Health, Swimming Pool FAQs
The Arkansas Department of Health does not regulate single-family residential pools.
An above-ground pool needs no county building permit in unincorporated Washington County, which enforces no building code for single-family homes. Cities like Fayetteville and Springdale do require permits and a compliant barrier.
Washington County, Ark., Planning Department, Building Code Enforcement
Washington County does not enforce building codes for agricultural buildings or single-family homes in unincorporated areas, thus, no building permits or inspections will be required, and no certificates of occupancy will be issued unless requested.
A residential hot tub needs no county building permit in unincorporated Washington County, which enforces no building code. The 240-volt wiring should still meet the National Electrical Code, and cities require permits.
Washington County, Ark., Planning Department, Building Code Enforcement
Washington County does not enforce building codes for agricultural buildings or single-family homes in unincorporated areas, thus, no building permits or inspections will be required, and no certificates of occupancy will be issued unless requested.
1 cities in Washington County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Washington County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
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