Newport News, VA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Newport News, VA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit needed for
- Construction, remodel, major alteration
- Issued by
- Dept. of codes compliance
- Public pools also need
- Health officer plan review
- Applies to
- Residential and public pools
Summary
Before building, remodeling, or majorly altering any swimming pool, residential or public, Newport News requires a building permit from the department of codes compliance.
A building permit shall be obtained from the department of codes compliance before the construction, remodeling or major alteration of any swimming pool. Plans and specifications for other than private residential swimming pools shall have been approved by the health officer prior to the issuance of such permit. Such plans and specifications must be submitted in triplicate to the health officer and one (1) set of plans and specifications, when approved, shall be stamped and returned to the applicant. Original tracings shall not be stamped for approval.
(Ord. No. 4739-95)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
Section 39-7 requires a building permit from the department of codes compliance before anyone builds, remodels, or substantially alters a swimming pool, private or public. For a public pool or spa, section 39-6 additionally requires the owner to submit plans in triplicate for health officer review and approval before that permit can issue. Private residential pools skip the health officer's plan review but still need the building permit, and section 39-4 layers the city's building, plumbing, electrical, and zoning codes on top of chapter 39's own requirements.
Violations & Fines
Building or altering a pool without the required permit is enforced under the building code via section 39-4; the department of codes compliance can order work stopped until it's brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a residential in-ground pool?
Does a private pool need health department plan approval too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
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