Wicomico County, MD Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Wicomico County adopts the IRC, 2021 Edition, as its residential Building Code and modifies R105.1 to require that any owner, authorized agent or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure shall first make application to the Chief Building Official and obtain the required permit. That duty covers pools built for one- and two-family homes in the unincorporated county.

The code carves out one narrow exemption at R105.2: prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 (residential) occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, hold under 5,000 gallons, and sit entirely above ground. A shallow inflatable or kiddie-style above-ground pool fits that description and needs no paperwork. An in-ground pool, a deeper above-ground pool, or any pool exceeding 5,000 gallons falls outside the exemption and must go through the Department of Planning, Zoning and Community Development's permit process before excavation or installation begins.

Once issued, a permit becomes invalid if work has not started within six months, though the Chief Building Official may grant one six-month extension on a written, justified request. Pools carry a tighter finish line than most permits: Section 117-5 sets a 180-day completion deadline from the date of issuance for pools, decks, carports, portable sheds and solar panels, rather than the standard three-year window other construction gets. Homeowners and contractors planning a pool build should budget for that shorter completion clock when scheduling excavation, plumbing, decking and fencing work around the pool.