Stafford Township, NJ Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Two chapters of the Stafford Township Code control pool approvals. Section 211-35G(2) says a pool permit shall be obtained from the Building Official. Section 235-4, in the Board of Health's Swimming Pools chapter, adds that no person shall locate and construct, alter or operate a swimming pool until permits and/or licenses have been issued by the Township.

Eligibility and siting come from § 211-35G(1). No private residential pool can be installed on a lot unless the lot contains a residence, and the pool has to be accessory to that residence. The pool meets the yard requirements for accessory buildings in its district, except that a pool located in the front yard has to be set back twice the distance from the street line that is required for the principal building. Pools adjacent to a bulkhead require the appropriate CAFRA approvals.

Pools are also installed, operated and used in accordance with the other health and safety ordinances on water filtration, circulation and treatment, fencing, noise and lighting. Section 211-35G(3) requires every pool to have the fences and gates required by the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23.

Licensing is a second layer. Under § 235-5 the fee for the issuance or renewal of a license to operate a swimming pool is $50. Under § 235-6, operating licenses expire annually on June 30, and the renewal application with the required fee has to be submitted before June 1 of each year. Under § 235-7 the Township can deny or suspend a license or permit for failure to comply with the chapter or the adopted code, and the holder is entitled to be heard at a public hearing and then informed of the Township's decision.

The technical standard is the state Swimming Pool Code, N.J.A.C. 8:26-3.1 to 8:26-3.24, adopted by § 235-1 and § 235-2, with three copies on file in the Township office for public examination (§ 235-3).