Story County, IA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Story County, IA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- outdoor in-ground pools only
- Permit type
- Zoning Permit
- When to apply
- prior to construction
- Preliminary permit lapses
- 6 months if construction not started
- Construction deadline
- 18 months after issuance/extension
- Above-ground pools
- no zoning permit required
- Issuing department
- Planning and Development
Summary
Building an outdoor in-ground swimming pool in unincorporated Story County requires a Zoning Permit application submitted for review and action before construction starts. Above-ground pools are exempt from the permit but still must meet the county's pool-barrier and child-access rules.
A fence or wall of at least four feet in height and designed to prevent unintentional access by a child shall enclose all outdoor in-ground swimming pools. Prior to construction, an Application for a Zoning Permit, as defined in Section 92.11, Required Permits, shall be submitted for review and action. Above-ground pools less than four feet in height or with stairways, ladders, or other accesses shall be appropriately secured to prevent unintentional access by a child. A zoning permit is not required for above-ground pools.
Full Breakdown
07(5) requires that, prior to construction, an Application for a Zoning Permit be submitted for review and action for any outdoor in-ground swimming pool in the unincorporated county, with the pool's four-foot child-resistant barrier reviewed as part of the same application. 10, Required Permits, explains how that review works: Planning and Development issues a preliminary zoning permit after an initial review confirming the plans meet zoning, floodplain and platting requirements, allowing construction to begin, then a final permit after a required foundation-location inspection and a final inspection confirm the completed pool and its enclosure conform to those same requirements.
A preliminary permit lapses six months after issuance if construction has not started, though the Director may grant a six-month extension on written request, and construction must finish within 18 months of issuance or extension. 07(5) expressly states that a zoning permit is not required for above-ground pools, though pools under four feet or with stairways, ladders or other access points still must be appropriately secured against unintentional child access.
Violations & Fines
Building an in-ground pool without the required Zoning Permit, or without passing the foundation and final inspections, is a Land Development Regulations violation. Planning and Development investigates and issues a Notice of Violation under § 93.02, allowing 30 days to bring the pool into compliance or submit a schedule to do so. If the owner fails to comply, the county may issue a citation for a county infraction under § 93.03, with a civil penalty up to $750 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for each repeat offense, appealable to the Board of Adjustment within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build an in-ground pool in unincorporated Story County?
Is a permit required for an above-ground pool?
How long is my pool zoning permit valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Story County
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