Minneapolis, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Minneapolis, MN, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Work valued over $100
- Enforced by
- Building official, zoning administrator, health director
- Lot-line distance
- Same as required side yard
- Grandfather date
- Pools existing before Sept. 8, 1972
Summary
Setting up, rebuilding, or altering a portable or above-ground pool worth more than $100 requires a City of Minneapolis building permit under Code § 89.110, with plans showing the pool's distance from lot lines filed before work begins.
No person shall construct or erect a private residential swimming pool or reconstruct any such pool or do any alteration, addition, remodeling or repair to such swimming pool that exceeds the value of one hundred dollars ($100.00) without first obtaining a permit from the building official. A permit shall be required for the re-erection of any such swimming pool which was once erected with permit or which was in existence at the date of the enactment of this article, and then disassembled, and which is not re-erected in the same location. (Ord. No. 2019-034, § 1, 8-23-19)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 89.110 requires a building permit for any private residential swimming pool, a category § 89.100 defines to expressly include portable, rubber or plastic pools erected without permanent support, before it is constructed, reconstructed, or has any alteration, addition, remodeling or repair exceeding $100 in value. Plans showing the pool's distance from lot lines and nearby utilities go to the building official (§ 89.120), and permit fees run through the Chapter 91 fee schedule (§ 89.140). Enforcement falls to the building official, zoning administrator, and director of environmental health (§ 89.230).
Violations & Fines
Building, rebuilding, or altering a pool above the $100 threshold without a permit is enforceable by the building official, zoning administrator, or health director under § 89.230; a pool that becomes a nuisance or health hazard is separately barred under § 89.210.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool in Minneapolis?
Where can I place an above-ground pool on my lot?
Are older pools exempt from the permit rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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