Lakeville, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Lakeville's pool safety requirements come from the Zoning Ordinance (Section 11-21-5.G) and the city's Building Inspections process. Every permitted pool must have safeguards to prevent children from gaining uncontrolled access, achieved through fencing, screening or other enclosure of sufficient density to be impenetrable. Gates and doors must be self-closing and self-latching at a height inaccessible to small children. Prior to filling, the approved fence or screen must be completely in place and inspected and approved by the city building official. In all residential districts, swimming pools and any attached or functionally related deck more than 30 inches above grade must be set back 10 feet from all adjoining lots, at least 10 feet from any other building or structure on the same lot, and may not be located within a drainage or utility easement or required buffer yard. Pools are not permitted in a front yard and must follow the same right-of-way setbacks as the house. Setbacks to private wells and septic systems are specified: a below-ground pool must be 20 feet from a well, 10 feet from a septic tank, and 20 feet from a drainfield; an above-ground pool must be 3 feet from a well and 10 feet from a septic tank or drainfield. A separate electrical permit is required, and a pool footing inspection and a final inspection are mandatory. Construction details defer to the Minnesota State Building Code and electrical code.