North Dakota Swimming Pool Permit and Code Requirements

Under NDCC Chapter 54-21.3, the State Building Code Advisory Committee adopts the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) as the minimum statewide standard. Appendix G of the IRC governs swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs and requires permits for in-ground and permanent above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches. The state ICC ANSI A117.1 accessibility standard applies to public pools. Local building officials issue permits and conduct inspections, but they cannot adopt weaker standards than the state-adopted code. Public swimming pools are also regulated by the ND Department of Health under NDCC 23-19 for water quality and operator certification.

Building without a permit is a class B misdemeanor under local enforcement; uninspected pools may face stop-work orders and double permit fees.