What's Required in Minneapolis
- A building permit is required for any private residential pool 2 feet deep or more unless the state small-prefab exemption applies.
- Plans drawn at a scale of at least one-fourth inch per foot must show the lot, setbacks, utilities and nearby contamination sources.
- Pools must be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates.
- The gap between the bottom of the barrier and the ground cannot exceed 4 inches.
- No part of the pool may be closer to the lot line than the zoning side yard.
- In-ground pools need an unobstructed nonslip deck at least 48 inches wide around the pool.
- All pool plumbing must follow the Minnesota Plumbing Code, with an air gap or backflow preventer on the fill.
- Electrical work and bonding need a separate permit and inspection from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Do you need a permit for a pool in Minneapolis?
For almost any real pool, yes. The Minneapolis Code defines a swimming pool as any basin built to hold water for swimming or recreational bathing that is 2 feet deep or more at any point, and Section 89.110 says no one may construct or erect a private residential swimming pool, or alter or repair one for more than $100, without a permit from the building official. The state exemption is narrow: Minnesota Rules 1300.0120 exempts only prefabricated pools installed entirely above ground at a house that do not exceed both 5,000 gallons and a 24-inch depth. So a kiddie pool or a small soft-sided pool is exempt; an above-ground pool deeper than that, and every in-ground pool, needs a building permit with plans.
How much does a pool permit cost in Minneapolis?
Section 89.140 sends pool fees to Chapter 91, so a pool is priced like any building permit: on the value of the job, labor and materials included. The schedule charges $104.20 for the first $2,000 plus $20.60 for each additional $1,000 up to $25,000, then $578.00 plus $14.90 per $1,000 up to $50,000. Pools must be submitted with plans, so add a plan review fee of 65% of the permit fee, plus the state surcharge of 0.0005 times the value.
- A $5,000 above-ground pool: $104.20 + 3 x $20.60 = $166.00, plus $107.90 plan review and $2.50 surcharge = $276.40.
- A $50,000 in-ground pool: $578.00 + 25 x $14.90 = $950.50, plus $617.83 plan review and $25.00 surcharge = $1,593.33.
Wiring, bonding, pumps and lights are inspected by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) under a separate electrical permit, and DLI charges $35 for each separate inspection of pool bonding on top of its $25 permit fee.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Prefab above-ground pool, 24 in deep or less and 5,000 gal or less | No building permit | Minn. R. 1300.0120 subp. 4 |
| Above-ground pool deeper than 24 in or over 5,000 gal | Building permit with plans | MCO 89.110, 89.120 |
| In-ground pool | Building permit with plans | Engineered structure; plumbing per Minn. R. 4714 |
| Pool barrier fence, any height | Building permit | At least 4 ft, gap under fence 4 in or less |
| Pump, lights, heater wiring, bonding | State electrical permit (DLI) | $35 per separate bonding inspection |
| Repair or alteration over $100 | Building permit | MCO 89.110 |
| Taking a pool down and setting it up elsewhere | Building permit | Re-erection in a new location needs a permit |
What are the pool barrier and placement rules?
Section 89.180 requires every outdoor private residential pool to be enclosed by a fence, wall, building or combination at least 4 feet high, with every opening fitted with a self-closing, self-latching gate whose latch is at the top or otherwise out of a small child's reach, and a gap of no more than 4 inches under the fence. The city's fence handout adds that a pool barrier fence of any height needs a building permit with a site plan. No part of the pool or its equipment may sit closer to the lot line than the side yard your zoning district requires.
The plans must be drawn to a scale of at least one-fourth inch per foot and show the whole lot, the distance from the pool to the lot lines, all utilities, and any source of contamination within 50 feet. In-ground pools need a 48-inch-wide nonslip deck around the pool; an above-ground pool less than 4 feet high needs none. A pool with water 36 inches deep or more needs steps or a ladder. Gas pool heaters must meet the plumbing and heating codes, and gaseous chlorine systems are not allowed.
How to Get a Pool Permit in Minneapolis
Check whether your pool is exempt
Prefab above-ground pools not exceeding both 5,000 gallons and a 24-inch depth skip the building permit.
Prepare scaled plans
Draw the lot, pool dimensions, distance to lot lines, utilities, water supply, drainage and the barrier.
Apply and upload in ProjectDox
Email the building permit application to [email protected], then upload plans through the ProjectDox invitation.
File the state electrical permit
Your electrician, or you as an owner-occupant, files with DLI and schedules the bonding inspection before concealment.
Pass the final inspection
Build to the approved plans, file a supplementary plan for any change, and pass the city's required final inspection.