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

Chapter 150 of the Dearborn County Code, titled "The Building Code of Dearborn County, Indiana," treats a pool as a building-code structure. Section 150.03 states that STRUCTURE includes swimming pool, and the definition of a Class 2 structure lists a family swimming pool as an outbuilding to a one- or two-dwelling home. The definition of CONSTRUCTION covers erection or assembly of a structure at the site where it will be used, and any work to alter, remodel, rehabilitate, or add to one.

Section 150.08 then prohibits construction unless it conforms to a valid building permit obtained from the Building Commissioner before construction begins. Under § 150.09, the applicant files a complete application on the Building Commissioner's form with detailed plans and specifications drawn to scale and a plot plan drawn to scale. The plot plan must show the location of the structure in relation to existing property lines and show streets, curbs and sidewalks. The application also carries the fee established by the County Commissioners, plus a design release from the Building Law Compliance Officer if Indiana law or a Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission rule requires one. Section 150.10 directs the Building Commissioner to issue the permit once the application is complete, the fee is paid, and the proposed construction conforms to all applicable building laws and other ordinances.

The technical standard for the pool itself comes from § 150.20, which incorporates Article 20 of Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code, the Indiana Swimming Pool Code, along with later amendments. Two copies are on file for public inspection with the clerk for the legislative body. The fee appendix to Chapter 150, Exhibit B (Residential Fees and Required Inspections), carries separate lines for above ground and in-ground swimming pools, but the printed table does not tie each amount to its line clearly enough to quote, so ask the Building Department for the current figure.

The permit can be held back or pulled. Section 150.14 lets the Building Commissioner withhold permits while an applicant owes fees, or while the property fails to conform to a zoning or other land-use ordinance, and § 150.15 allows revocation for a false statement or noncompliance. The code applies only in unincorporated Dearborn County, Indiana. Lawrenceburg, Aurora, Greendale, Dillsboro, Moores Hill, St. Leon and West Harrison are separate.