Swimming pool permit rules in Knoxville, TN — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Knoxville requires a building permit from Plans Review and Inspections for any residential pool, hot tub, or spa over 24 inches deep. Review is under the adopted ISPSC and IRC Chapter 42, with the barrier and safety hardware reviewed in the same permit, and Article 10 accessory-structure setbacks apply.
Pool installation is regulated by the adopted ISPSC and IRC Chapter 42, administered by Plans Review and Inspections. A residential pool is any structure with water over 24 inches deep, triggering permit and barrier review. The permit covers location against Article 10 setbacks (5-foot accessory setback unless stricter), structural details, bonding/GFCI, and the barrier. Under ISPSC 305.2.1 the barrier must be at least 48 inches high on the outside-grade side, with no openings passing a 4-inch sphere (305.2.2). Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward (305.3); a release below 54 inches must be pool-side, 3 inches below the top, with no openings over half an inch within 18 inches. T.C.A. 68-12-801 also requires a pool water alarm.
Installing a pool over 24 inches deep without a permit, operating without a compliant 48-inch barrier, or using non-compliant gates violates the adopted ISPSC and IRC Chapter 42. Plans Review and Inspections can issue stop-work orders and pursue civil penalties.
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