Las Cruces, NM Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Division 13 of the Land Development Code (Sec. 30-556 to Sec. 30-565) governs new swimming pool construction and applies to every International Building Code occupancy group, covering residential backyard pools as well as commercial pools. Before applying, an owner may submit a conceptual plan to the Community Development Department at no charge; this pre-application step does not approve anything. To apply for the real permit, Sec. 30-558 requires prior written approval from El Paso Electric, then offers a plan-review track (city departments including fire and public works return findings within two business days) or an over-the-counter track unavailable in the University Avenue Corridor, Avenida de Mesilla Gateway, and Lohman Avenue overlay zones.

Sec. 30-559 lists the submittal package: a signed application with contractor license number, plan review fee, permit fee, and blueline construction drawings at one-quarter inch to one foot scale showing the pool's dimensions, required setbacks, fence or wall location, a mechanical plan for any heater and gas line, and an electrical load calculation approved by the public service company. Applications lapse after 180 days without a permit, and issued permits must start work within 180 days and finish within one year. Sec. 30-561 sets the technical inspections: a foundation/slab check before concrete is poured, an electrical grounding and conduit inspection, and a plumbing rough-in inspection that requires the pool piping to hold 35 PSI of air pressure for 15 minutes before it is covered.

00 reinspection fee under Sec. 30-564 applies whenever work is not ready, corrections are not made, or the site is inaccessible for a scheduled inspection. No pool may be used until the building official issues a Sec. 30-565 certificate of completion listing the permit number, owner, and compliance statement; that certificate can be suspended or revoked in writing if a violation is later found.