Swimming pool permit rules in Franklin, TN — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
All swimming pools in the City of Franklin require a building permit issued by Building and Neighborhood Services (615-794-7012, 109 3rd Avenue South). The City has adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) - the 2018 edition for plans submitted before January 1, 2026 and the 2024 edition via Ordinance 2025-37 for plans submitted on or after that date. Franklin Zoning Ordinance also requires outdoor residential pools to be located at least 10 feet behind the front facade and at least 5 feet from any lot line, and pools may not be located within easements.
Building and Neighborhood Services administers swimming pool permits under Title 12, Chapter 7 of the Franklin Municipal Code, which adopts the ISPSC. Per the Adopted Codes page, plans submitted before January 1, 2026 are reviewed under the 2018 ISPSC; plans submitted on or after that date are reviewed under the 2024 ISPSC adopted by Ordinance 2025-37 (8-0 BOMA vote 9/23/2025). The City's Swimming Pool Procedures document provides: 'Any and all electrical wiring and connections require a permit and inspections. Plumbing lines and PVC to pool must be installed by a licensed plumber and inspected if lines are to be connected to the City of Franklin water systems.' Zoning setbacks are set by the Franklin Zoning Ordinance: 'Outdoor swimming pools on residential lots shall be located at least ten feet behind the front facade and at least five feet from any lot line,' and 'Swimming pools shall not be located within easements.' A separate electrical permit is required (Tennessee licensed electrician), and a plumbing permit is required for water-connection work (Tennessee licensed plumber). For pools that connect to City of Franklin water systems, a backflow prevention device meeting Title 18 (Water and Sewer) requirements must be installed. Franklin pools must satisfy the ISPSC barrier rules (305) plus statewide TCA Title 68, Chapter 120 building safety standards. Inside the floodplain, ISPSC Chapter 4 requirements apply.
Installing a pool without a building permit violates Title 12, Chapter 7 and can result in a stop-work order, civil penalties, and required submission of as-built engineering. Pools that violate the 5-foot side/rear setback or the 10-foot front-facade rule must be relocated or removed. Connecting plumbing without a licensed plumber's permit and inspection violates the Swimming Pool Procedures requirements. Failure to install a compliant ISPSC barrier can result in immediate closure of the pool.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Franklin, TN
The City of Franklin does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting or regulating artificial turf on residential lots. Synthetic turf may be installed in rea...
Franklin, TN
Franklin does not require native-plant landscaping, but the Tree Commission maintains a Recommended Tree List that prioritizes species suited to Middle Tenne...
Franklin, TN
Rainwater harvesting is legal and unregulated for residential use throughout Tennessee — including Franklin. There are no volume limits, no permit requiremen...
Franklin, TN
Under Franklin Municipal Code Title 9 Chapter 11 (Mobile Food Vending), adopted Aug. 28, 2023, mobile food units in Franklin may operate ONLY on developed an...
Franklin, TN
Operating a food truck in Franklin requires a Mobile Food Vendor Permit from Building & Neighborhood Services (BNS), governed by Title 9 Chapter 11 (Mobile F...
Franklin, TN
Federal law (FAA Part 107 for commercial; 49 U.S.C. § 44809 for recreational) governs the airspace over Franklin — the City cannot regulate altitude or fligh...
See how Franklin'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.