Birmingham, AL Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Residential swimming pool construction in Birmingham requires a building permit from the Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits (PEP), located at City Hall Room 210, 710 20th Street North (open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Any residential work other than painting or shingle replacement requires a permit, and pools also draw electrical and plumbing trade permits for pump, lighting, and bonding work. Birmingham has adopted the International Residential Code (IRC), which under Appendix G and Section AG105 requires that any pool, spa, or hot tub deeper than 24 inches be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the outside, with no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere, a maximum 2-inch gap at grade, and self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool with the latch at least 54 inches above grade. Where the dwelling itself forms part of the barrier, doors leading to the pool must be alarmed or the pool must have a power safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Public swimming pools - including community, apartment, condominium, hotel, YMCA, and spa pools - are separately regulated by the Jefferson County Department of Health, which reviews construction plans through its Public Health Engineer and issues an annual operating permit with monthly inspections (call 205-930-1230 to verify current fees and submission requirements). Pool electrical bonding must comply with the National Electrical Code as adopted by the city.