Permit Required?
Required
Typical Fee Range
$600–$2,000
Building base fee plus plan review hourly rate ($292/hr) and trade permits.
Fee Method
Project-based
What's Required in Seattle
- A building permit is required for any pool or spa deeper than 24 inches.
- Must have a 4-foot minimum height safety barrier with self-latching gates.
- Electrical permit required for pump motors and underwater lighting.
- Pool must maintain setbacks from property lines (typically 5 feet) and house foundations.
- Sewer drainage must have a city-approved air gap to prevent backflow.
- Structural engineering mandatory due to Seattle's varied terrain and seismic rules.
How to Get a Pool Permit in Seattle
1
Step 1: Structural Design
Hire a licensed engineer to draft structural and safety plans.
2
Step 2: Portal Submission
Submit plans via the Seattle Services Portal for plan review.
3
Step 3: Fee Payment
Pay the permit and plan check fees ($292 minimum base per 2026 rate).
4
Step 4: Mid-Point Inspections
Schedule steel-belly, plumbing pressure, and electrical bonding checks.
5
Step 5: Final Inspection
Complete the barrier and safety check before the pool is filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 4–8 weeks for plan review and correction rounds.
Yes, Seattle requires a 4-foot barrier that completely isolates the pool area.
Minimum city fees typically start at $600 and scale with inspection time.