Chicopee, MA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Section 275-32 of the Zoning chapter of the Code of the City of Chicopee governs swimming pools in three subsections. Subsection A says no pool for which a building permit is required shall be located nearer than six feet to any lot line. The section ties its setback to pools that need a building permit, and the building permit itself is issued under Chapter 122, which adopts the State Building Code (780 CMR 100.00 et seq.) as controlling in the City.

Subsection B requires all such swimming pools to be enclosed by a chain link, secure fence or wall at least four feet high. The location of the fences and the design of the gates and latches must be of a design that is reasonably secure for very young children, and that judgment belongs to the Building Commissioner: the test is "in the opinion of the Building Commissioner." A fence that meets the four-foot height but has a latch a toddler can work does not satisfy the ordinance on the Commissioner's reading.

Subsection C adds a compliance condition: no swimming pool shall be located within the City unless it complies with appropriate state and local health codes and the Statewide Building Code. Chapter 122 adopts the State Sanitary Standards for Swimming Pools, 105 CMR 435.00 et seq., in § 122-1(A)(7), with a copy on file in the City Clerk's office.

Fees appear in the electrical schedule at § 122-2(K): aboveground swimming pools or hot tubs are $70 and inground swimming pools are $120, with online permit fees discounted by $20. The building permit fee for the structure itself follows § 122-2(C), which bases building permit fees on the volume of the structure unless the section prescribes otherwise. Under § 122-2(I), work started before a permit is obtained costs double the normal fee, except emergencies as determined by the Building Commissioner or a designee.

Section 275-34 adds that the zoning chapter does not regulate or restrict the methods of construction of structures regulated by the State Building Code.