What's Required in Milwaukee
- A private pool permit is required for any pool at least 15 by 3 feet or holding 3,965 gallons.
- A licensed electrical contractor must obtain the electrical permit before DNS issues a new pool permit.
- Above-ground pool walls must be at least 36 inches high on all sides or have an approved alternative safeguard.
- In-ground pools need an approved barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates.
- Pools must be at least 6 feet from climbable objects, and in-ground pools at least 6 feet from the lot line.
- Overhead wires must be 10 feet away horizontally or 22.5 feet above the water; underground wires 5 feet away.
- Pool decks and new fences need their own separate permits.
- Pools may not be placed in the front yard or the required side setback.
Do you need a permit for a pool in Milwaukee?
Yes, for any pool at least 15 feet by 3 feet or holding 3,965 gallons or more. That covers in-ground pools and most above-ground pools; DNS says only pools smaller than 15 by 3 feet need no permit. Private pool permits are not issued at the Permit and Development Center like other building permits: they come from the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) Environmental Section, 841 N. Broadway, Room 105, (414) 286-3280.
The pool permit is $86.20 for a new pool or $158.40 for an existing pool, and DNS says both figures already include the 1.6% training and technology surcharge. DNS will not issue a new pool permit until a licensed electrical contractor has pulled the electrical permit for the pump, lights and bonding.
How much do Milwaukee pool permits cost in total?
The electrical permit is priced item by item under MCO 200-33-11: the hot tub or swimming pool line is $110, plus the 1.6% surcharge and a $25 processing fee.
- New above-ground pool with a pump circuit: $86.20 pool permit + $110 + $1.76 + $25 electrical = $222.96.
- Same pool with a new barrier fence: add the $60.40 fence permit for $283.36.
A deck around or beside the pool is a separate building permit from the Permit Center, priced like any deck. Building the pool before the permit is issued can cost up to 4 times the permit fee, plus a citation or an order to remove the pool.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Pool at least 15 x 3 ft or 3,965 gallons | Private pool permit, $86.20 | DNS Environmental Section |
| Pool smaller than 15 x 3 ft | No permit | DNS pool instructions |
| Permitting an existing pool | Private pool permit, $158.40 | Referred to electrical inspection |
| Pump, lights and bonding | Electrical permit, $110 line item | Licensed electrical contractor only |
| Pool deck | Separate deck building permit | Permit and Development Center |
| New fence around the pool | Fence permit, $60.40 | Must also meet DNS pool rules |
| Pool in the front yard or side setback | Not allowed | MCO 295-505-3-k |
What safety rules does Milwaukee apply to backyard pools?
The DNS pool packet sets the rules the inspector checks. Above-ground pool walls must be at least 36 inches high on every side, or another approved safeguard must be provided. The pool must sit at least 6 feet from anything a child could climb, including trees, porches and climbable fences, and the filter must not become a climbing aid. Ladders must be removed, flipped up or secured when nobody is supervising.
In-ground pools must be enclosed by an approved barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates whose latches are out of children's reach, and must be at least 6 feet from the lot line. For any pool, deck gates should use non-climbable fencing with openings no larger than 4 inches and must open away from the pool. Overhead power lines must be 10 feet away horizontally or 22.5 feet above the water, underground wires 5 feet from the pool wall, and outdoor faucets need backflow preventers. Zoning keeps pools out of the front yard and the required side setback.
How to Get a Pool Permit in Milwaukee
Check the size trigger
Measure the pool. At 15 by 3 feet or 3,965 gallons and up, you need a private pool permit.
Hire a licensed electrician
Have a state-licensed electrical contractor pull the electrical permit for the pump, lighting and bonding.
Complete the pool packet
Fill out the application and information sheet with a sketch showing distances to wires, the lot line, the house, garage, fences and trees.
Mail or deliver with payment
Send the forms with a check for $86.20 (new) or $158.40 (existing) to the DNS Environmental Section, 841 N. Broadway, Room 105.
Permit decks and fences
Apply separately at the Permit and Development Center for any pool deck or new barrier fence, and report any changes to the pool installation to DNS.