Appleton, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Section 4-546(a) requires a building permit for the installation, alteration or addition of any private residential swimming pool, applied for and obtained before work begins, with the fee set under Section 4-161(8). The application must include a plot plan showing the size and shape of the lot, the location and size of all existing or proposed buildings and structures including fences, and any other information affecting the premises, and that plan must be accurate and dimensioned. Section 4-546(b) separately requires plumbing and electrical permits for applicable pool installations: plumbing work must comply with the state plumbing code under a plumbing permit, and electrical work must comply with Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 316 under an electrical permit.

This permitting scheme covers new, remodeled, altered and relocated pools on one- and two-family residential properties under Section 4-543. Beyond permits, Section 4-548 caps the pool, any pool accessory structure and pool equipment at 15 percent of total lot area, and requires at least 3 feet of setback from side or rear lot lines (6 feet if the pool sits in a side yard closer to the street than the rear wall of the main building), and no closer to the street than the home's front setback line.