Arlington Heights, IL Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Arlington Heights, IL, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Adopted pool code
- 2018 ISPSC, § 23-801
- Plan review fee, in-ground pools
- $45.00/hr (§ 7-1104(a)(11))
- Subsequent inspection fee
- $50.00 each (§ 7-1104(a)(8))
- Minimum property-line setback
- 8 feet, incl. decks (§ 28-6)
- Unpermitted construction fine
- $50.00-$750.00 per offense
Summary
Building an in-ground pool in Arlington Heights requires plans built to the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, adopted by the Village in Section 23-801, plus Building Department plan review. Section 7-1104(a)(11) sets a dedicated $45.00-per-hour plan review fee for in-ground pools, billed to the permit applicant.
Plans shall be reviewed by a qualified plan review service for all buildings except single-Family structures, unless the Director of Building shall determine that the plans are of such a character that the Village departments can adequately review for life safety, fire protection, smoke removal system and other aspects. The cost of this review will be paid by the building permit applicant, in addition to all other related building permits. The plan review fees for all plans reviewed by the Building Department are: ... In-Ground Pools $45.00/hr.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 3 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 23-801 adopts the 2018 ISPSC by reference for all pool and spa construction in the Village, and Section 23-802 modifies it locally: the step riser and tread dimensions in ISPSC 306.3 are adjusted to imperial equivalents, and accessibility compliance under 307.1.4 is tied to the Illinois Accessibility Code rather than the 2009 ICC A117.1. For permitting, Section 7-1104(a)(11) lists a separate hourly plan review rate for 'In-Ground Pools' of $45.00 per hour, distinct from the $70.00-per-hour rate for a single-family residence itself, $60.00 for additions, $35.00 for garages, and $30.00 for decks.
That review cost is paid by the building permit applicant in addition to all other related permit fees. The general building permit fee schedule in Section 7-1104(a) also applies: there is no fee for a first inspection by the Building, Electrical, or Plumbing Departments, but a $50.00 fee applies to every subsequent inspection. Once built, a pool becomes subject to the Zoning Code's dimensional standards: the Table of Permitted Obstructions in Section 28-6 (subsection 6.6-5.1) requires 'Swimming Pools, a minimum of 8 feet from any property line including decks and appurtenances,' and lists pools as permitted only in required rear yards.
Any deviation from Village-approved pool plans, or construction without the required permit and plan review sign-off, exposes the property owner to enforcement under Chapter 23's general violation provisions.
Violations & Fines
Constructing a pool without the required Building Department permit and plan review, or deviating from approved plans without written authorization from the Director of Building, is a violation of Chapter 23 punishable under Section 23-108 by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $750.00 per offense, separate from any other civil or criminal penalty. Placing a pool closer than the 8-foot property-line setback in Section 28-6 is also enforceable as a zoning violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What code governs pool construction in Arlington Heights?
How much is plan review for an in-ground pool?
How far from my property line can I build a pool?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington Heights
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How other cities in Cook County handle pool permits.