Stratford, CT Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Section 6.1.9 of the Stratford Zoning Regulations limits pools in the Town of Stratford to accessory use: a pool is installed only as accessory to a dwelling for the private use of the owners or occupants, their families and guests. Item 6 requires a zoning permit and a building permit for any swimming pool as defined in the State of Connecticut Building Code. Section 62-1 of the Stratford Code prices building permits by estimated cost, and § 62-4 withholds any building permit while delinquent real property taxes are owed on the property.

Siting rules apply before the permit issues. The pool goes in the rear yard, or in the part of the side yard that lies not less than 50 feet from any street line. The pool itself stays at least 10 feet from rear and side property lines, while decks, filters, slides, heaters and tanks stay at least five feet from those lines, or 25 feet from any street line on a corner lot. Pool wastewater cannot be drained into a street, storm sewer or onto adjoining property, and a water retention system can be required if drainage creates an adverse situation on the neighboring lot. Exterior lighting must be directed to prevent objectionable glare across property lines.

A commercially owned pool is heard by the Zoning Commission as a special permit under Section 7.3.4. Chapter 188 of the Code is a different track: it licenses public pools through the Director of Health, with renewal each May 1, and defines a public pool as one not intended for use at a single-family residence.