Swimming pool permit rules in Little Rock, AR — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Residential swimming pools and spas in Little Rock require a building permit under Chapter 8, Article II of the Code of Ordinances. The city enforces the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code together with the 2021 International Residential Code (Appendix AG) adopted statewide through the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including the IRC AG105 barrier rules: minimum 48-inch fence, self-closing self-latching gate, and no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere.
Little Rock pool installations are permitted by the Department of Planning and Development under Chapter 8, Article II (Building Code), which adopts the International Code Council family of codes. Per the city's enforced construction-codes summary, Little Rock applies the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with Appendix A and the 2021 International Residential Code (including Appendix AG, Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs) as required statewide by the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Ark. Code Ann. Sec. 12-13-101 et seq.). Submittals typically include a site plan showing pool location, setbacks from property lines and structures, the proposed barrier, equipment pad, and electrical and plumbing connections; separate electrical and plumbing trade permits are required. IRC AG105 barrier rules require the enclosure to be at least 48 inches above grade on the outside, prevent passage of a 4-inch sphere through any opening, and use self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool with the latch at least 54 inches above grade. Pools deeper than 24 inches and spas and hot tubs without an approved safety cover both fall under these barrier rules. Confirm permit fees, plan-review timing, and inspection sequence with Planning and Development at 501-371-4790.
Installing or operating a pool without a Chapter 8 building permit, or failing to maintain a code-compliant barrier, can result in stop-work orders, denial of final inspection, civil fines through Little Rock Environmental Court, and orders to drain the pool until the barrier is brought into compliance.
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