What's Required in Memphis
- Building permit required for all in-ground residential pools.
- Safety barrier (fence) of at least 48 inches high is mandatory.
- Self-closing and self-latching gates are required for safety.
- Plumbing permit required for drainage and fill lines.
- Electrical permit required for pump wiring and bonding.
- Pool must meet minimum setback requirements from property lines.
Above-Ground vs. In-Ground Pool Permits in Memphis
In Memphis, both above-ground and in-ground pools almost always need a permit — but the requirements differ. An in-ground pool always requires a building permit, plus electrical and plumbing permits, because of the excavation, structural shell, and bonded equipment involved. An above-ground pool usually needs a permit once it holds enough water to be a drowning hazard; many jurisdictions draw the line around 24 inches of water depth, but Memphis’s exact cutoff is set by the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement, so confirm it against the requirements above. Either way, a code-compliant safety barrier — a fence, or the pool’s own walls plus a self-closing, self-latching gate — and electrical bonding of pumps and lights are inspected before final approval.
Pool Permit Renewal in Memphis
Most homeowners never “renew” a Memphis pool permit the way you’d renew a license. A residential pool building permit covers the construction work and closes once the pool passes its final inspection. What can expire is an unused or unfinished permit — many building departments void one if work hasn’t started or been inspected within a set window (often 6 to 12 months), and you’d then re-apply or request an extension from the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement. Some cities also require a separate annual operating permit for public or shared pools, though that rarely applies to a single-family backyard pool. When in doubt, confirm the current rule and any renewal fee with the Shelby County Department of Construction Code Enforcement.
How to Get a Pool Permit in Memphis
Step 1: Site Plan
Detail the pool and safety barrier location on the site.
Step 2: Online Filing
Apply through the official Memphis permit portal.
Step 3: Review Period
Review takes approximately two weeks for approval.
Step 4: Trade Permits
Licensed electrician and plumber must pull their respective sub-permits.
Step 5: Final Inspection
A multi-stage inspection series from steel to final safety.