Gwinnett County, GA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Gwinnett County, GA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- any residential swimming pool
- Prerequisite
- approved Swimming Pool Location Plan
- Location Plan governed by
- UDO Chapter 330
- Final step
- field-verified Certificate of Completion
- Governing code
- Gwinnett County UDO § 310-40
Summary
Unincorporated Gwinnett County requires a swimming pool permit for any residential pool, and the county will not issue one until Planning and Development approves a Swimming Pool Location Plan for the lot.
Issuance of a swimming pool permit as an accessory use to a single or two-family residence, whether to be issued at the same time as or subsequent to the permitting or construction of the residence, shall first require approval of a Swimming Pool Location Plan as described in Chapter 330. The permits shall comply with all requirements of this UDO, the Gwinnett County Swimming Pool Ordinance, and Georgia State Minimum Standards for One- and Two-Family Dwellings Code. Based on site conditions, additional plans and studies may be required prior to issuance of the permit. A Certificate of Completion shall not be issued until conformance to the Swimming Pool Location Plan (and other plans and studies, if applicable) has been field verified by the Department.
(Ord. No. UDOA2023-00002(GCID 2023-0604), Exh. A(§ 31), 9-26-2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
A swimming pool permit is required as an accessory use to a single or two-family home in unincorporated Gwinnett County, whether applied for with the house permit or later. Before the county issues it, the Department of Planning and Development must first approve a Swimming Pool Location Plan showing rear yard placement and setbacks under Chapter 330. The permit must also comply with the county's Swimming Pool Ordinance and the Georgia State Minimum Standards for One- and Two-Family Dwellings Code. A Certificate of Completion is withheld until the built pool is field-verified against the approved plan.
Violations & Fines
Building a pool without the approved Location Plan and permit is a UDO violation, punishable under Section 120-70.4 by a fine of $250 to $1,000 or up to 60 days in jail, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Gwinnett County?
What has to happen before the pool permit is issued?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gwinnett County
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