Columbus, IN Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Section 15.04.100 of the Columbus Municipal Code lists Swimming Pools as item 6 under Residential Structures: in ground or above ground swimming pools including fence, two inspections, minimum fee sixty dollars. Commercial, Industrial or Multifamily Structures carry their own line, item 6 under B, also a minimum of sixty dollars. The residential fee bundles the fence and two inspections into one price, so a fence built with the pool does not need a separate fee line.

The permit requirement itself comes from Section 15.04.080, which calls for a permit before beginning construction, alteration or repair of any building or structure when the cost exceeds $300. Forms are furnished by the chief code enforcement officer and fees are paid to the Department of Code Enforcement. Under Section 15.04.090 the application needs the fees and plans and specifications showing the construction to be accomplished, and a new structure needs a plot plan showing its location, other existing improvements and lot boundaries.

Technical pool standards are adopted by reference, not written out in Chapter 15.04. Section 15.04.060 incorporates Article 20 of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code, the Indiana Swimming Pool Code, along with later amendments published in the Indiana Register or the Indiana Administrative Code. Variances from adopted building rules go to the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission under Indiana Code 22-13-2-7(b), and appeals of a department interpretation of Section 15.04.060 go to the Indiana Department of Fire and Building Services under Section 15.04.230.

Inspections follow Section 15.04.160. Inspections of construction found to be incomplete are subject to reinspection fees, and Section 15.04.100 sets the reinspection fee at a minimum of thirty dollars per inspection. The permit is void after six months without a start or reasonable progress under Section 15.04.120.