Rapides Parish, LA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Rapides Parish, LA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, a pool is a regulated "structure" (Sec. 6½-3)
- Issuing office
- Kisatchie-Delta Regional Code Compliance Office
- Adopted code
- 2006 International Building & Residential Codes
- Fine for violation
- $100 to $500 per offense (Sec. 6½-8)
- Separate grading permit
- Not required if pool has a valid building permit
- Before use
- Certificate of completion must be filed (Sec. 6½-5)
Summary
Building a swimming pool in unincorporated Rapides Parish requires a permit from the parish building official under Sec. 6½-3, since a pool is a regulated "structure." Sec. 24-14(3) confirms the excavation for a permitted pool doesn't also need a separate grading permit, but an unpermitted pool loses that exemption and remains a misdemeanor.
It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes adopted in section 6½-2, or to cause any such work to be done, without obtaining a properly issued permit from the parish building official for that work. ... Any person, partnership, or corporation who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or aids or abets in the violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00) nor less than one hundred ($100.00) for each offense. ... Excavation in connection with a building, swimming pool, retaining wall, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit;
Full Breakdown
A swimming pool counts as a "structure" under Rapides Parish's building code, so Sec. 6½-3 makes it unlawful to construct one without first obtaining a permit from the parish building official, issued under the codes the police jury adopted in Sec. S. 21 et seq. The permit application required by Sec. 6½-4 must give the owner's and contractors' names and contact information, the location and description of the work, including whether it involves structural, concrete or plumbing work, an anticipated completion date, and a certification under penalty of perjury that the work will meet applicable codes.
Once the pool is built, Sec. 6½-5 makes it unlawful to use it before the owner files a certificate of completion and compliance with the building official. Separately, Sec. " A pool dug without a building permit doesn't just skip Sec. 6½-3, it also loses the grading-permit exemption and can be required to go through the separate grading-permit process in Sec. 24-15, run by the Rapides Area Planning Commission. The building official enforces the permit duty by seeking a court injunction under Sec. 6½-6 against unpermitted construction or unauthorized occupancy, on top of the criminal penalty in Sec. 6½-8.
Violations & Fines
Building or altering a pool without the required permit is a misdemeanor under Sec. 6½-8, punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 for each offense. The building official can also go to the parish attorney and seek a court injunction under Sec. 6½-6 to stop unpermitted pool construction or block use of a pool built without a filed certificate of completion and compliance under Sec. 6½-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install an in-ground pool in unincorporated Rapides Parish?
Do I also need a separate grading permit to excavate for my pool?
What happens if I build a pool without a permit?
Can I use my new pool as soon as it's built?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rapides Parish
Compare Rapides Parish to another location·View the Louisiana swimming pools & spas overview
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