What's Required in Chicago
- A pool on a lot with 1 to 3 dwelling units that is no deeper than 48 inches and holds no more than 5,000 gallons at 90 percent full needs no building permit.
- Any electrical connection other than cord-and-plug requires an express electrical permit under Article 680 with a licensed electrical contractor listed.
- A permanent connection to the city water system requires an express plumbing permit.
- A private residential pool deeper than 48 inches requires a plan-based building permit with plans signed and sealed by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer.
- Pool edges and pump or filter equipment must be at least 10 feet from a neighboring lot or alley, and overhead wiring may not be within 10 feet of the pool edge.
- The pool deck must be enclosed by a fence or wall at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates; metal fences must be grounded.
- Walk areas at least 6 feet wide are required on all sides, the recirculation system must turn over the water every six hours, and the sewer drain may not exceed 250 gallons per minute.
- Outdoor private residential pools may be used only from June 1 through September 15, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and must be drained and covered otherwise.
- Excavation deeper than 5 feet may require an excavation certification (Form 402); 12 feet or more requires a geotechnical review.
Do You Need a Permit for a Pool in Chicago?
Not for most above-ground and inflatable pools. The Department of Buildings' list of work that needs no permit includes a swimming pool serving a residential building with no more than 3 units that has a water depth of 48 inches or less and a 90 percent water volume of 5,000 gallons or less. Its pool guidance page adds the conditions: the lot has 1, 2 or 3 dwelling units, the pool is for the residents and their guests, and it sits at ground level or in-ground without excavation deeper than 5 feet. Two things still need permits even for an exempt pool: any electrical connection other than cord-and-plug is an express electrical permit under Article 680 of the Chicago Electrical Code with a licensed electrical contractor listed, and any permanent connection to the city water system is an express plumbing permit.
A private residential swimming pool is one deeper than 48 inches at any point on a lot with 1, 2 or 3 units, and it requires a plan-based building permit with plans signed and sealed by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer. The design rules are specific: pool edges and any pump or filter equipment at least 10 feet from a neighboring lot or alley; a recirculation system that turns the water over every six hours; walk areas at least 6 feet wide on all sides; a fence or wall at least 5 feet high enclosing the pool deck with self-closing, self-latching gates; no overhead wiring within 10 feet of the edge; no diving board more than 3 feet above the water. Chicago also limits use of outdoor private pools to June 1 through September 15 and 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with the pool drained and covered the rest of the year.
Chicago Pool Permit Rules by Scenario
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable or above-ground pool up to 48 in deep and 5,000 gallons, cord-and-plug pump | None | DOB list of work not requiring a permit; DOB pool guidance |
| Same pool with a hardwired pump, heater or lighting | Express electrical permit, $150 for up to 10 new circuits, licensed electrical contractor | DOB pool guidance; Table 14A-12-1204.2 (Electrical) |
| Shallow pool over 5,000 gallons | Express permit for other work with a dimensioned sketch; Form 402 if digging over 5 ft | DOB pool guidance |
| In-ground or above-ground pool deeper than 48 in at a 1-3 unit home | Plan-based permit, $400 pool fee, architect or engineer plans, zoning review | DOB pool guidance; Table 14A-12-1204.2 (Plumbing) |
| Pool barrier fence over 5 ft (any pool) | Express fence permit, $75 up to 6 ft | DOB pool guidance; Table 14A-12-1204.2 as amended 2026 |
| Elevated deck to reach an above-ground pool, or a pool on a deck or roof | Plan-based permit with professional drawings | DOB pool guidance |
| Pool for a building of 4 or more units, or a public pool | Plan-based permit plus Illinois Department of Public Health license | DOB pool guidance |
How Much Does a Pool Permit Cost in Chicago?
Nothing for an exempt pool. When a pool permit is required, Table 14A-12-1204.2 of the Administrative Provisions lists install private swimming pool or hot tub (electrical work as separate permit), $400, with drawings and a zoning review required. Because drawings are required, the code collects a non-refundable deposit at submission, $600 for 2026, with any balance due at issuance; the deposit exceeds the $400 row, so confirm the total in the portal before paying. The electrical work is a separate express permit, $150 for up to 10 new circuits, and a permanent water connection is a separate plumbing permit. A permitted in-ground pool with its electrical runs to about $550 to $750 depending on how the deposit is applied, before the Title 17 zoning review fee, which the permit pages do not publish.
Who Files and What They Submit
For a private residential pool, either the architect or structural engineer or a licensed permit expediter must start the online application and upload the drawings. The construction documents must include a survey-based site plan showing lot lines, buildings and utility lines; plan and sections giving volume and surface area; electrical, grounding and plumbing schematics; fence and equipment details; and manufacturer cut sheets. Excavation more than 5 feet below grade may need an excavation certification (Form 402) and 12 feet or more triggers a geotechnical review. The permit lists a licensed general contractor (or the owner acting as contractor on their primary residence once per calendar year), a Chicago-licensed electrical contractor for the bonding, pump and lighting wiring, and a licensed plumbing contractor for the water connection, which the owner-occupant of a detached single-family house may do personally. A first inspection must pass within 540 days or the permit expires.
How to Get a Pool Permit in Chicago
Measure depth and volume
At or under 48 inches and 5,000 gallons on a 1 to 3 unit lot, skip the building permit and file only the electrical or plumbing express permits your hookups need.
Hire an architect or structural engineer
For a pool deeper than 48 inches, an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer prepares and seals the site plan, sections, schematics, fence detail and equipment cut sheets.
Start the plan-based application
The design professional or a licensed permit expediter starts the online application and uploads the drawings; zoning approval comes first and a project manager is assigned.
Pay the deposit and fees
The $600 non-refundable deposit is due at submission against the $400 pool fee; the electrical contractor files a separate express permit at $150 for up to 10 circuits.
Build, bond and inspect
Install the 5-foot barrier, grounded and bonded electrical, and drain connection, then request inspections; the first must pass within 540 days.