Decatur, GA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Decatur, GA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Governing law
- UDO § 10.1.2(H)(1), (H)(3)
- Adopted code
- International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, State DCA edition
- Setback rule
- no pool in required front or side yard
- Corner lots
- both street-facing lines count as front lines
- Additional rule
- county health department pool rules also apply
- Permit required
- via UDO Sec. 10.1.1(B) before construction
Summary
A backyard pool in Decatur, Georgia must comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code adopted by UDO Sec. 10.1.2(H)(1), and private pools cannot sit in the required front or side yard or between the front lot line and the neighboring building's setback line.
The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as amended and approved by the state department of community affairs for use as the state minimum swimming pool code, is hereby adopted as the swimming pool code of the City, save and except such portions as are deleted, modified or amended by this section. Such code shall have the same force and effect as if it were fully set forth or described in this section. A copy of such code shall be properly attested and kept on file with the City clerk. ... Private swimming pools and public swimming pools not owned or operated by the City shall not encroach on any front or side yard required by this Code or the City zoning ordinance, nor shall such pools be located between the front property line and the setback line established by the buildings closest to the front property line in any zoning district.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
UDO Sec. 1 adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as amended and approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, as the City's swimming pool code, with the same force and effect as if fully set out in the City's own code and a copy kept on file with the City clerk. Building a pool is treated as building work under Sec. 1, so the owner, agent or contractor must first apply to the Building Official and obtain a permit before construction. Sec.
2 layers on a second compliance track: anyone operating a swimming pool in the City must also follow all rules and regulations of the county health department governing swimming pools. Sec. 3 sets the placement rule: private pools, and public pools not owned or operated by the City, cannot encroach on any front or side yard required by the Code or the City's zoning ordinance, and cannot sit between the front property line and the setback line established by the nearest front-facing building. On a corner lot, property lines along both street sides count as front property lines, so the setback restriction runs along both frontages rather than just the primary one.
Violations & Fines
A pool built without the required permit, or placed in violation of the front or side yard and setback rules in Sec. 10.1.2.H.3, is a violation of Article 10, enforced by the Building Official and punishable as provided in Section 1-12 of the Code of Ordinances. The pool cannot be put into use until the permitted work is complete and any required Certificate of Occupancy or final inspection sign-off is obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Decatur, Georgia?
Where can a private pool be located on a Decatur lot?
Does the corner-lot rule change where I can put a pool in Decatur?
Are there health rules for pools in Decatur beyond the building code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Decatur
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