Swimming pool permit rules in Denver, CO — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Denver requires a building permit from Community Planning and Development (CPD) for all in-ground and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep, plus separate electrical and plumbing permits. Inspections verify setbacks, barrier compliance under the 2021 IRC, and GFCI wiring.
Denver adopts the 2021 International Residential Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and Denver amendments. Building permits are issued through Denver CPD via the e-permits portal. Required submittals include a site plan showing setbacks (typically 5 feet side, 10 feet rear from property line), pool structural details, barrier/fence plan (minimum 60-inch barrier with self-closing/self-latching gate per ISPSC), plumbing diagram, and electrical plan with bonding and GFCI specs. Above-ground pools exceeding 24 inches in depth require permits; inflatable/temporary pools under 24 inches are exempt. Hot tubs and spas permanently installed require permits. Denver's high altitude (5,280 feet) and freeze-thaw cycles require specific concrete and pipe specifications. Final inspections by CPD are required before filling. Pools on Denver Landmark-designated properties may need Landmark Preservation Commission review. Denver Water must approve backflow prevention for fill lines.
Unpermitted pool: stop-work order, retroactive permit with 2x fee (per DRMC §10-18), possible forced removal if non-conforming. Construction without inspections: up to $999 fine. Barrier violations: DDPHE order to correct; repeat $500+.
Denver, CO
Denver's Zoning Code allows residential lawn ornaments and statuary without permits provided they do not exceed accessory-structure height limits in DZC Arti...
Denver, CO
Denver does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Blower-motor noise falls under DRMC 36-6 (Noise) limits, lighted inflata...
Denver, CO
Denver has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. DRMC Chapter 36 (Noise) governs amplified outdoor displays, DZC Ar...
Denver, CO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Denver require permits from Community Planning and Development whenever the project includes gas piping, electrical, plumbing, o...
Denver, CO
Backyard wood and pellet smokers are allowed at single-family Denver homes but are governed by DRMC Chapter 4 (Air Pollution Control) and Colorado Department...
Denver, CO
Denver Fire Code (DRMC Title 9, adopting IFC 2018 with amendments) Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal grills and LP-gas containers over 1 lb on combustible b...
See how Denver's pool permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.