Franklin County, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Franklin County, WA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- In-ground pool permit fee
- $300.00
- Above-ground pool/hot tub fee
- $100.00
- Minimum enclosure height
- 4 feet, gaps under 4 inches
- Side/rear yard water-edge setback
- 5 feet from lot line
- Front yard placement
- Requires conditional/special use permit
- Pool permit validity
- 1 year (365 days) from issuance
Summary
An in-ground pool in unincorporated Franklin County needs a $300 building permit, and an above-ground pool or hot tub needs a $100 permit. Every pool must have a four-foot enclosure with self-latching gates approved before water goes in, per the zoning code's accessory-use standards.
Swimming pools and hot tubs may be constructed and placed as an accessory use for a residence provided that: ... B.Swimming pools shall be entirely enclosed by buildings, fences or walls not less than four (4) feet in height and with no openings that are greater in size than four inches. Such fences shall be equipped with self-latching gates or doors, the latching device being located not less than four feet above the ground. All fencing must be in place and approved by the building department before water is run into the pool. ... In ground Pool $300.00 Above Ground Pool/Hot Tubs $100.00
Full Breakdown
220 allows swimming pools and hot tubs as an accessory residential use, with setbacks depending on placement: pools in a side or rear yard must keep the water's edge at least five feet from any rear or side lot line and one foot from any utility easement, while pools in a front yard need a conditional or special use permit and must keep the water's edge 25 feet from the front property line. Subsection B requires every pool to be entirely enclosed by a building, fence, or wall at least four feet high with no gaps larger than four inches, fitted with a self-latching gate whose latch sits at least four feet above the ground, and that enclosure must be in place and approved by the building department before water is run into the pool.
Pool lighting must be hooded so it does not shine onto neighboring properties. Hot tubs are exempt from the fencing rule only if they include a pre-manufactured locking cover; otherwise they must meet the same enclosure standard. 230 gives pool permits a one-year validity period from issuance, rather than the standard two years for other building permits.
Violations & Fines
Running water into a pool before its enclosure is built and approved by the Franklin County Building Department violates Section 17.66.220(B), and constructing a pool without the required building permit is unlawful under Section 15.12.260, a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, in addition to the standard doubled permit fee for unpermitted work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a pool in unincorporated Franklin County?
Can I fill my new pool before the fence is done?
How close to my property line can I put a pool?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin County
Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Washington swimming pools & spas overview
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