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.
Newport News requires a building permit for residential pools holding water more than 24 inches deep or larger than 150 sq ft, per the Virginia USBC. Chapter 39 of the City Code governs pools. A 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate is required under IRC Appendix AG / ISPSC.
Under the Virginia USBC (13VAC5-63), swimming pools that exceed 150 square feet of surface area or 24 inches in water depth require a building permit; smaller pools are exempt. Newport News Chapter 39 (Swimming Pools) sets local pool requirements, and barrier rules follow IRC Appendix AG and the Virginia adoption of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code: a continuous barrier at least 48 inches high, openings no greater than 4 inches, and self-closing, self-latching gates with the latch at least 54 inches above grade. Electrical bonding, drain-cover compliance with the federal VGB Act, and Hampton Roads coastal flood-zone elevation rules also apply. File with Codes Compliance at 757-933-2311.
Operating an unpermitted pool or one without a compliant barrier can trigger stop-work orders, daily fines, and an order to drain the pool until corrections are made. Drowning liability also applies.
Newport News, VA
Newport News prohibits oversized vehicles from parking on residential streets overnight. Vehicles exceeding 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, or 8 feet tall are ban...
Newport News, VA
Newport News regulates retaining walls under Chapter 13 (Buildings and Building Regulations) and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Retaining wall...
Newport News, VA
Newport News regulates fence materials under Chapter 13, Article VI of the City Code. Certain hazardous materials are restricted or prohibited in residential...
Newport News, VA
Newport News enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), which requires property owners and occupants to cut and remove weeds, grass, vines,...
Newport News, VA
Newport News defines "landscape" as living plants, natural features, or structural features under Chapter 45 (Zoning Ordinance). No express ban on artificial...
Newport News, VA
Newport News Code Ch. 33.02 requires a landscaped green area as part of all site plans. The city officially encourages use of native and drought-tolerant pla...
See how Newport News's pool permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.