Asheville, NC Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Under City Code Sec. 4-155, a building permit issued by the chief building inspector, division of building inspections, is required before construction begins on any public or residential swimming pool in Asheville. The owner must submit plans and specifications to that office for approval, and the chief building inspector must forward an additional copy to the Buncombe County board of health for its recommendation. If the county board does not act within 20 days of receiving the plans, the chief building inspector may approve or disapprove them without waiting further (Code 1965, § 8-105).

Sec. 4-156 makes the chief building inspector responsible for confirming that plans comply with this article, the state building code (Volumes I and II), the electrical code, and any other governing law, and specifically charges that office with enforcing the barrier requirement for pool areas. Sec. 4-154 requires every outdoor residential pool built after the effective date of Ordinance No. 964 (July 7, 1977) to be enclosed by an ornamental wire, wood stave, or other barrier at least four feet high, with self-closing, latching gates of the same height; the barrier's bottom edge may sit no more than six inches above the ground.

Failing to comply with an order or notice issued under this article is a violation carrying a $50.00 fine, with each additional day of noncompliance charged as a separate offense under Sec. 4-157, last amended by Ordinance No. 4910, § 2, on November 9, 2021.