Above-ground pools in New Orleans need a building permit when water depth exceeds 24 inches and must meet the same IRC Appendix G barrier rules as in-ground pools. The Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance restricts pools to rear yards in most residential districts, and HDLC or Vieux Carre review can limit installations in historic neighborhoods.
The New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits regulates above-ground pools through the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) of 2015. Any pool deeper than 24 inches requires a permit, structural review for the pool wall and supporting deck, and electrical bonding inspection under NEC Article 680. The pool wall itself may serve as part of the required IRC Appendix G barrier when it is at least 48 inches high, but ladders and steps must be removable, lockable, or surrounded by a compliant secondary barrier when the pool is unattended. Under CZO Article 21, accessory uses including pools must generally be located in rear yards in residential districts, set back at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines and outside utility servitudes. Decks more than 30 inches above grade require guardrails at least 36 inches high and trigger separate permits. In the Vieux Carre, large above-ground pools are typically incompatible with historic courtyard layouts and the Vieux Carre Commission rarely approves visible above-ground installations. HDLC districts such as Esplanade Ridge and the Garden District also discourage front- or side-yard above-ground pools. Owners in flood zones must check whether the pool location interferes with required floodway clearances or violates base flood elevation rules under the Floodplain Management Ordinance.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact New Orleans code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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