Lake Charles, LA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Sec. 6-38 requires an owner or authorized agent to apply to the building official and obtain a permit before constructing or altering any structure regulated by the code, and a swimming pool is a structure within that scope, so an in-ground or above-ground pool of any real depth needs a permit before excavation or installation begins. Sec. 6-40 then carves out the exemptions to the general permit rule, and item (7) specifically frees 'prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 36 inches deep' from ever needing a permit, alongside other minor work like fences under ten feet, retaining walls under four feet, and residential driveways.

Sec. 6-40's opening line makes clear that this exemption is narrow: skipping the permit for a shallow prefab pool does not authorize installing it in a way that creates a safety hazard or otherwise violates city law, so pool owners still have to meet any applicable fencing, electrical, or setback rules even when no building permit is required. Sec. 6-36(c) applies the same valuation-based fee schedule used for other construction to any pool project that does require a permit, and Sec. 6-36(c)(3) doubles that fee if the pool is built before the permit is obtained.