Sandy, UT Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Sandy City Code Title 21, Chapter 27 governs grading tied to construction, and Section 21-27-12 spells out when a separate grading permit is needed versus when the work is folded into a building permit. Under the 'Valid Building Permit' exemption, grading done in connection with a building, swimming pool, retaining wall, or other structure is authorized by the building permit itself rather than a stand-alone grading permit, but the excavation must still be shown on the approved plans and inspected by both the Chief Building Official and the City Engineer.

Once the pool passes plan review, the safety standards in Section 21-11-10 kick in. Any private swimming pool that is not fully enclosed inside a building with solid walls must sit at least five feet back from every property line and be surrounded entirely by a fence or wall at least six feet tall, with no gap in the barrier larger than 36 square inches except for the gate itself, which must have a self-closing and self-latching device. Sandy also allows semi-private pools serving a subdivision or neighborhood association through a special exception from the Planning Commission: at least 75 percent of the members must live in the immediate neighborhood, the recreation area needs a 30-foot landscaped front yard and ten-foot side and rear yards, and the facility must be enclosed by a six- to eight-foot wall or fence.

Complete plans, funding, and maintenance details go to the Planning Commission, and written consent from abutting owners and 75 percent of property owners within 300 feet is required before approval. If any condition of the special exception lapses, the authorization becomes void automatically.