Blaine, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
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.
Key Facts
- Above-ground exemption
- 5,000 gallons or less, 24-inch max depth
- In-ground pools
- geotechnical report required
- Reviewing office
- building official or designee
- Fee schedule
- set by council resolution, § 18-43
- Variance path
- city council, § 18-113
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 90 days, § 1-7
Summary
In the City of Blaine, a building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, or move any pool. The only exemption is a private residential above-ground prefabricated pool holding 5,000 gallons or less with a depth of 24 inches or less. Everything larger needs a full application with site plans.
A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, or move any pool except private residential prefabricated pools entirely above ground which do not exceed both 5,000 gallons in capacity and a 24-inch depth. Additional permits such as mechanical, plumbing, and electrical may also be required depending on the scope of the work. All work must comply with the Minnesota State Building Code. ... An application and plans for a building permit for a private residential swimming pool shall show, among other items, the following: ... A site plan indicating the following, including setbacks: location of pool; location of house, garage, barrier/fencing, and other improvements on the lot; location of filter unit, pump, and wiring, indicating the type of such unit; location of back-flush and drainage outlet; grading plan, finished elevations, and final treatment (decking, landscaping, etc.) around the pool ... For in-ground pools, a geotechnical investigation report is required to verify that the soils can support the pool manufacturers' design.
Full Breakdown
Blaine City Code section 18-144 requires a building permit before anyone builds, enlarges, alters, repairs, or moves a pool, and it applies to public pools as well as private ones. Only a private residential prefabricated above-ground pool that holds 5,000 gallons or less and is no deeper than 24 inches skips the permit. Beyond the base permit, the code warns that mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits may also be needed, and all work must meet the Minnesota State Building Code. The application package for a private residential pool must show the type and size of the pool and a site plan with setbacks: the pool's location, the house, garage, and barrier/fencing, the filter unit and pump wiring, the back-flush and drainage outlet, grading and finished elevations, and any nearby overhead or underground wiring, easements, or trees.
In-ground pools carry an extra step: a geotechnical investigation report confirming the soil can support the manufacturer's design, plus the manufacturer's footing and structural plans. Public pools go through an even heavier review covering structural, plumbing, HVAC, accessibility, and safety-barrier details under section 18-144(c). Section 18-145 requires the permit fee to be paid before issuance, with the fee schedule set by council resolution under section 18-43. The building official or a designee may inspect the pool and its wiring, heating units, and piping at any reasonable hour under section 18-114.
A property owner who needs relief from these standards because of practical difficulty can apply for a variance to the city council under section 18-113.
Violations & Fines
Building, enlarging, or altering a pool without the required permit violates article III of chapter 18. Under the citywide general penalty in section 1-7, a violation of the Code is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.00, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both, plus the costs of prosecution, and each day a continuing violation exists counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every backyard pool in Blaine need a permit?
What has to be on the site plan for a Blaine pool permit?
Do in-ground pools face extra requirements in Blaine?
Who inspects a permitted pool in Blaine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Blaine
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