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Sandoval County, NM Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Swimming pool permit rules in Sandoval County, NM, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes, before construction
Required submittals
Application, site plan, pool plan
Reviewing authority
County Zoning Officer
Governing section
CZO § 15.G(2)[h]
Approval condition
Compliance with Ordinance
Also reviewed against
§ 14.F pool setback/fence rules

Summary

Anyone building a residential pool in Sandoval County must first get a building permit from the Zoning Officer. Section 15.G(2)[h] requires a building permit application, a site plan, and a pool plan before the county will approve construction.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Sandoval County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

G.Building Permits. Building permits, applications for building permits, and certificates of occupancy within the County's zoning jurisdiction shall be considered by the Zoning Officer upon submission of appropriate construction plans, accompanying materials as specified in Section 15(G)(1) of this Ordinance, and the required fee. Approval shall be granted only if same are found to be in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance....[h.]Swimming Pools.1.Building Permit application from the appropriate authority.2.Site Plan.3.Pool plan.

Full Breakdown

G of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance places all building permits, permit applications and certificates of occupancy within the county's zoning jurisdiction under the Zoning Officer's review. An applicant must submit construction plans, the supporting materials required for the specific project type, and the required fee, and the Zoning Officer approves the permit only after confirming compliance with the Ordinance. G(1) makes clear that any construction requiring a permit under the Building Code adopted by the State of New Mexico must go through this submission process, and an incomplete application is not accepted.

G(2)[h] lists three required materials: a building permit application from the appropriate authority, a site plan, and a pool plan. 1 before construction starts. The same section separately requires a Liquid Waste Permit and site drainage plan for new residential construction generally, and a stamped floor plan or wall plan for other structure types such as retaining walls and fences over six feet, showing pool review sits within a broader permit checklist tailored by project category.

Violations & Fines

Building a pool without the required permit, site plan and pool plan is a violation of the Ordinance enforced by the Zoning Officer. Unpermitted construction can draw a written notice of violation with 30 days to cure under Section 15.F, and an uncorrected violation can escalate to a citation with a civil fine of up to $300 under Section 24, which can be recorded as a lien on the property until resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to submit for a pool permit in Sandoval County?
Section 15.G(2)[h] requires three items: a building permit application from the appropriate authority, a site plan, and a pool plan. These go to the Zoning Officer along with the required fee under Section 15.G, and the permit is approved only once the submission is confirmed to comply with the Ordinance.
Who reviews and approves a swimming pool permit?
The Zoning Officer, under Section 15.G, reviews building permit applications and accompanying construction plans for all projects within the county's zoning jurisdiction, including swimming pools, and issues approval only after confirming compliance with the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.
Does the pool permit check my fence and setback compliance?
Yes. The site plan and pool plan required under Section 15.G(2)[h] let the county confirm the pool meets the location setbacks in Section 14.F.2 through .4 and the five-foot enclosure and self-closing gate standard in Section 14.F.1 before construction is approved.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sandoval County

All Sandoval County rules

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