Minnetonka, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Section 805 of the Minnetonka City Code, the pool and spa ordinance adopted under Ordinance 2022-07 and effective August 14, 2022, governs every private residential pool in the City of Minnetonka. A private residential pool is a pool connected with a single-family residence or owner-occupied duplex, located on private property under the homeowner's control and limited to family members or the family's invited guests. A pool used as part of a business does not qualify, and pools open to apartment residents, hotel patrons or club members fall under the separate public pool rules, which add Minnesota Department of Health plan approval and an annual license that expires December 31.

The permit is issued by the city. The application goes on city forms with the permit fee established in chapter 710 and the plans and supporting data needed for review. The plans must be drawn to scale and must include a construction site plan on a survey showing the size and location of the new pool, the existing structures on the lot, and distances from lot lines under the state building code. They must also include a piping diagram with elevation data and all appurtenances, treatment facilities included, in enough detail for a hydraulic analysis, plus details on all treatment equipment, with catalog identification of pumps, chlorinators and related equipment.

A permit is valid only for the work and location written on it. It authorizes construction of pool appurtenances, but electrical and gas piping work require additional permits. If work starts before a permit is issued, the city makes a special investigation before it will issue one, following the state building code. A permit becomes invalid if the work is suspended or abandoned for more than 180 days, counted from the first day of suspension or abandonment, and the city can revoke a permit or stop work using the state building code procedure.

Inspection is built in. Section 805.025 requires the builder to notify the city at predetermined stages and at completion, and before any portion of the work is connected with a building. No work can be covered until the city inspector accepts it, including underground piping conduits, electrical grounding, grounding of mesh in concrete and grounding of the pool structure. The community development director and delegates enforce section 805.