Swimming pool permit rules in Blaine, MN — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Blaine requires a building permit for almost every pool. The only exception is a prefabricated, entirely above-ground residential pool that does not exceed both 5,000 gallons and 24 inches of depth. Even exempt pools must still meet the city's barrier requirements before use.
The City of Blaine regulates swimming pools under Chapter 18, Article IX of the City Code (Buildings and Building Regulations), and through its Building Inspections division. According to the city's Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs handout, "A building permit is required for the installation of any swimming pool except private residential prefabricated pools entirely above ground, which do not exceed both 5,000 gallons and 24 inches in depth." Both thresholds must be met for the exemption to apply, so a deeper or larger above-ground pool still needs a permit. Hot tubs, spas, and inflatable pools are treated as pools for these purposes. Permit applications must include the pool type, size, and gallon capacity, plus a site survey showing the proposed pool location. In-ground pools (and pools with designed footings) also require an engineer's soil report. The city schedules inspections for below-ground pools at the footing, framing, gas-piping air test, equipment location, fence/barrier, and final stages; above-ground pools are inspected for gas piping, equipment location, fence/barrier, and final. Permit fees follow the city's adopted Fee Schedule (Appendix D of the City Code), so applicants should confirm the current amount with Building Inspections. Importantly, the city notes that exempt pools must still include the required barrier/fencing.
Installing a non-exempt pool without a building permit, or skipping required inspections, can trigger stop-work orders, correction notices, and the cost of uncovering work for inspection. Operating a pool that has not passed its fence/barrier inspection is prohibited under Article IX.
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