Cayuga County, NY Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Section 132-4B(3) of the Code of Cayuga County exempts from the building permit requirement the installation of swimming pools associated with a one- or two-family dwelling or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) where such pools are designed for a water depth of less than 24 inches and are installed entirely aboveground. Because the exemption is written narrowly around depth and above-ground installation, any pool designed for 24 inches of water or more, and any pool that is not installed entirely above ground, falls outside it and requires a building permit under Section 132-4A before installation begins.

Subsection C reinforces that even an exempt shallow pool must still be installed in compliance with the Uniform Code and Energy Code; the permit exemption does not authorize noncompliant work. A permit application for a covered pool must include a project description, the Tax Map number and street address, and, where applicable, a site plan showing the pool's location relative to existing structures, wells or septic systems and lot lines, per Section 132-4D. The Code Enforcement Officer issues the permit once the application demonstrates compliance, and the permit becomes invalid if work does not start within six months or expires 12 months after issuance under Section 132-4I.