Raleigh, NC Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Raleigh requires a building permit for any residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub exceeding 24 inches in depth, consistent with the North Carolina Residential Code and state pool law at NC Gen Stat Sec 130A-282. The permit is issued by Raleigh Development Services through the online Permit Portal. Applications require a site plan showing pool location, setbacks (minimum 10 feet from side and rear property lines in most residential districts under UDO Sec 1.5.7), distance from structures, grading and drainage, equipment pad location, and the planned barrier design. Construction documents must be stamped by a NC licensed contractor or engineer for pools over 5,000 gallons. Permit fees are valuation based, typically $200 to $300 for above-ground pools and $400 to $500 for in-ground, plus $75 to $150 for the separate electrical permit required for pump, heater, and underwater lights and $75 to $125 for a plumbing permit on filling and draining connections. Four inspections are required: pre-gunite or shell placement, rough electrical/plumbing, final barrier, and final with water. Above-ground pools with non-climbable sides at least 48 inches tall and a removable or locking ladder may use the pool wall as the barrier, but in-ground pools always require a separate enclosure. Permits expire if work does not start within 6 months or stalls for more than a year. Pools constructed without permits can be ordered drained and filled, and homeowners face retroactive permit fees plus double penalties.