Chatham County, GA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Chapter 20 folds the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), current edition as amended, into the list of Standard Codes the Board of Commissioners adopted to govern construction throughout unincorporated Chatham County (section 20-201(8)). Under the same section's chapeau, it is unlawful to erect a pool, like any other structure, in violation of or without complying with the adopted code.

Section 20-313 sets the permit mechanism for pools specifically: the fee for the construction of each pool is paid in accordance with Article "T" of the County Revenue ordinance, meaning the dollar amount is fixed in the separate Revenue ordinance rather than the building chapter itself. A non-refundable plan review fee applies at plan submission under section 20-304, and the Director of Building Safety and Regulatory Services can adjust the stated construction valuation used to calculate fees if it appears understated (section 20-203).

Pool permits follow the standard building-permit lifespan: they become invalid if construction does not begin within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after starting, though the Director may grant time extensions consistent with the International Building Code (section 20-307). A $30 re-inspection fee applies each time a follow-up inspection is required because prior corrections were not made or the pool was not ready when the inspector was called (section 20-306). Decisions of the Director on a pool permit can be appealed within five days, with a $100 filing fee, to the nine-member Board of Adjustments and Appeals (section 20-203).