Lakeville, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Lakeville City Code section 11-21-9.G, Swimming Pool Protection, sets the local standard for backyard pools. Any pool with a depth of twenty four inches at any point and a surface area exceeding one hundred fifty square feet needs approval from the Zoning Administrator or a designee, following the administrative permit process in section 11-8-5. Each application must be accompanied by plans showing the pool's proposed location relative to the principal building, its size, existing and proposed fencing and equipment such as filters and pumps, and a site plan demonstrating compliance with the barrier and setback rules.

Once a permit is granted, the pool must be enclosed by a physical barrier, either a fence or the wall of a building, at least four feet high, with gaps no larger than four inches and gates fitted with self-closing, self-latching hardware placed out of reach of small children. Above-ground pools with four-foot vertical sides need barriers only around their point of access. The approved barrier must be completely installed, inspected, and approved by the city building official before the owner is allowed to fill the pool with water.

In residential districts, the pool and any attached deck over thirty inches above grade must sit at least ten feet from every property line, except fences and pump enclosures, and at least ten feet from the principal building, and cannot be placed in a front yard, a drainage or utility easement, or a required buffer yard.