Southaven, MS Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

A pool in the City of Southaven starts with the general building permit rule. Sec. 4-27 makes it unlawful to commence or proceed with the erection, construction, reconstruction, conversion, alteration, enlargement, extension, razing or moving of any building, fence, sign, swimming pool or other structure, regardless of zoning classification, without first applying in writing to the building official, paying all applicable fees, and receiving a building permit after review and before any work is performed.

Sec. 4-127 supplies the pool-specific rules. Subsection (a) adopts by reference the swimming pool chapters of the International Residential Code adopted by the city, to be used by the relevant design professional, and Sec. 4-26(a)(8) separately lists the 2024 Swimming Pool and Spa Code among the adopted codes. Subsection (b) adds connection limits: above-ground pools need an indirect connection to any storm drain, storm sewer or other drainage system approved by the administrative authority, and it is unlawful to discharge or overflow pool water in a way that causes runoff onto adjacent properties.

Subsection (c)(3) sets the siting rule that drives the permit. An in-ground pool must sit a minimum of ten feet from any exterior face of a residence or any other building on the property. If the site cannot meet that distance, a letter from a licensed engineer authorized to practice in Mississippi, verifying that the foundations of all structures within ten feet of the pool are not compromised, is required before a permit is issued. Subsection (c)(1) treats temporary or portable pools no deeper than two feet separately: they cannot stay erected more than six months without being disassembled and stored out of public view.

Contractors face Sec. 4-208, which requires a $10,000 bond for builders, sign, fence and pool contractors. Sec. 4-206 lets a homeowner building on his own lot use the same exemption for the bond when he does his own building work.