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Lakewood, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Swimming pool permit rules in Lakewood, WA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.

Key Facts

Governing code: 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
Adoption section: LMC 15.05.020(J)
Permit administration: IBC Chapter 1 provisions, LMC 15.05.040
Permit expires: 180 days if pool work not started or stalled
Violation penalty: Up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine, or both

Summary

Lakewood folds pool construction into the same 'Lakewood Building Code' as its other adopted codes: LMC 15.05.020(J) adopts the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code by reference, and LMC 15.05.040 applies the IBC's Chapter 1 administrative provisions, so pool work goes through the same Building Official permit process as any other construction project.

Pursuant to RCW 19.27.031, the following codes as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council herein adopted and further amended, shall be collectively known as the Lakewood Building Code: ... ... J. The 2021 Edition of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), published by the International Code Council, is hereby adopted. ... The administrative provisions as specified in Chapter 1 of the International Building Code as adopted and subsequently amended by this title shall be used as the general administrative provisions for the Lakewood Building Code. In case of a conflict of provisions the Building Official shall determine the applicable application. ... ... M. Section 114.4, Violation penalties, is amended to read as follows:Any violation of a provision of the Lakewood Building Code is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for a term of up to ninety (90) days, by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000); or by both.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).

Full Breakdown

020(J), so its own scope provisions, covering swimming pools, spas and hot tubs, set what counts as pool construction requiring a permit. 040, governs how a pool permit is filed, reviewed and issued, and the Building Official resolves any conflict between the adopted codes. 060(C)); the Building Official can grant limited extensions on written request showing justifiable cause. 030.

Violations & Fines

Any violation of a provision of the Lakewood Building Code, including the adopted ISPSC, is a misdemeanor under LMC 15.05.060(M), punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Starting pool construction before the permit issues also triggers a penalty fee equal to the permit fee under amended Section 109.4 (LMC 15.05.060(F)).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lakewood require a permit to build a swimming pool?

Pool construction falls under the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, adopted by reference under LMC 15.05.020(J) as part of the single Lakewood Building Code. Because LMC 15.05.040 applies the IBC's Chapter 1 administrative provisions citywide, pool work goes through the same Building Official permit process as any other construction covered by the adopted codes.

How long is a Lakewood pool permit valid once issued?

The same rule that governs other building permits applies: under LMC 15.05.060(C), an issued permit becomes invalid if the authorized work has not started within 180 days, or is suspended for 180 days after it starts. The Building Official can grant limited extensions if you request one in writing and show justifiable cause.

What is the penalty for building a pool in Lakewood without a permit?

Starting pool construction before the permit is issued draws a fee equal to the permit fee under amended Section 109.4 (LMC 15.05.060(F)). Any violation of the Lakewood Building Code, including the adopted swimming pool code, is also a misdemeanor under LMC 15.05.060(M): up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Sources & Official References

[1]Lakewood Municipal Code Title 15, Chapter 15.05

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All Lakewood rules

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