Milwaukee, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Milwaukee, WI, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- any outdoor private pool
- Size threshold
- 36-inch depth or 3,965 gallons
- Issuing authority
- Commissioner of Health
- Plan-exam fee
- $75 before, $150 after construction
- Violation penalty
- $50-$500/day (Class E, §61-11)
Summary
Milwaukee requires a pool construction permit from the health commissioner before building any outdoor private pool at least 36 inches deep or holding 3,965 gallons, per Code of Ordinances § 75-20-6.
PERMIT REQUIRED. In addition
to the requirements of ch. SPS 390, Wis. Adm.
Code, no person shall construct, install, enlarge,
establish, maintain or make any alteration to any
public swimming place or any outdoor private
swimming place without a pool construction
permit issued by the commissioner.
a. Application.
a-1.
Any person wishing to obtain a
permit for a private pool under this section shall
file an application on forms provided by the
commissioner. The application shall be
accompanied by the fees required in s. 60-83.
a-2.
Any person wishing to obtain a
permit for a public pool under this section shall file
an application on forms provided by the
commissioner. The application shall be
accompanied by one set of plans and
specifications which will be retained by the
commissioner and the plan examination fee
required in s. 60-83. The plans and
specifications shall be prepared by a registered
architect or engineer. The names and addresses
of the owner and the architect or engineer, and
the location of the swimming place shall be filed
with the application. Plans shall be drawn to a
scale and accompanied by sufficiently detailed
specifications so as to permit a comprehensive
engineering review including the piping and
hydraulic details and shall include:
a-2-a. Plans and sectional views with all
necessary dimensions of the pool, servicing
Full Breakdown
Under Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 75-20-6, no person may construct, install, enlarge, establish, maintain or alter any outdoor private swimming place without a pool construction permit issued by the commissioner of health (or the delegated Department of Neighborhood Services official). The rule reaches every in-ground pool and any above-ground pool with a potential depth of 36 inches or a potential volume of 3,965 gallons, per § 75-20-2's definition of 'private swimming place.' Applicants file on commissioner-supplied forms and pay the plan-examination fee set in § 60-83, $75 for a private facility reviewed before construction starts, $150 if filed after construction has begun. Pool dealers must post a buyer notice about the permit requirement on the sales floor.
Violations & Fines
Building or altering a pool without the required permit violates § 75-20-6, a Class E offense under § 61-11: $50-$500 per day, plus up to 30 days jail on default of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an above-ground pool need a Milwaukee permit?
How much does the Milwaukee pool permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
Compare Milwaukee to another location·View the Wisconsin swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pool Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle pool permits.