Pool / Spa Permit (In-Ground and Above-Ground) in Unincorporated Maricopa County, Arizona
Required for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and other contained bodies of water in the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. Any body of water greater than 18 inches deep and/or wider than 8 feet at any two measured points requires both a pool permit and a barrier. In-ground pool fees are valuation-based (at $200 per perimeter foot for valuation); above-ground pools/spas are a flat $75 fee. Pool barriers must be permitted and ISSUED before the pool is plastered or filled with water. Apply through Permit Center online.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Pool permit required for all bodies of water greater than 18 inches in depth and/or wider than 8 feet at any two measured points (does not apply to fountains less than 12 inches deep)
- Pool barrier permit must be ISSUED before installing the barrier, plastering the pool, or filling the pool with water
- Pools must not be located within the required front yard of the property
- Pools must be set back at least 3 feet from all property lines
- Pool barrier must be 60 inches above finished grade on the exterior side
- Access and pedestrian gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open AWAY from the pool; latch at 54 inches or higher
- 4-inch maximum spacing for wrought iron barrier; otherwise the barrier must not allow passage of a 1-3/4-inch sphere
- Chain link must be 11-gauge or heavier
- Windows facing the pool enclosure must have a mesh screen and a lock restricting opening to no more than 4 inches, or a latching device at 54 inches above the floor
- Apply online through Permit Center at https://maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice
Required documents
- Req
Pool Permit Application (Permit Center online)
Apply online through Permit Center; the decision engine will guide you through required documents for pool and barrier permits
- Opt
Residential Pool and Barrier Requirements Information Sheet
Summary of pool and barrier requirements per the Local Additions and Addenda; available at https://www.maricopa.gov/6408/Residential-Pool-and-Barrier-Requirement
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-ground pool — valuation-based (Building-Inspection) | Valuation = $200 per perimeter foot; fee calculated from Table 1-A based on that valuation | Local Additions and Addenda: in-ground pools are valued at $200 per perimeter foot. The resulting valuation is then run through Table 1-A to determine the permit fee. Plan review fee (65% of permit fee) applies separately. |
| Above-ground pool or spa (Building-Above Ground Pool/Spa) | $75 flat | Local Additions and Addenda Flat Rate Fees (June 2024 Summary of Fee Schedule) |
| Hot tub or spa in or above ground | $75 flat | Local Additions and Addenda Flat Rate Fees |
Review timeline
~5–15 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Maricopa County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Steel / Shell (Pre-gunite)
Verify rebar, rough plumbing, and pool shell before gunite or shotcrete application per 2018 IRC/IBC
- 2
Pool Barrier Inspection
Pool barrier must be inspected and approved per Local Additions and Addenda Section 3109 and pool barrier requirements BEFORE the pool is plastered or filled with water
- 3
Final
All work complete; pool filled; equipment operational; barrier fully in place
Tips
- Pool barrier permit must be ISSUED before installing the barrier, plastering the pool, or filling the pool with water — do not begin these steps before the permit is in hand.
- In-ground pools are valued at $200 per perimeter foot for fee calculation purposes. For a typical 16x32-foot pool (perimeter = 96 feet), valuation = $19,200, which maps to a permit fee under Table 1-A.
- Pool barrier specifications: 60 inches high on exterior side; self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool; latch at 54 inches or higher; 4-inch maximum spacing for wrought iron; no decorative design work that allows easy climbing on the exterior.
- If the house wall forms part of the pool barrier and has a door providing direct pool access, a separate barrier must be installed between the door and the pool, OR the door must have an alarm sounding continuously for minimum 30 seconds at 85 dB within 7 seconds of opening.
- For more barrier details see the Local Additions and Addenda Section 3109 at https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5808/Local-Additions-and-Addenda-PDF
Frequently asked questions
- When must the pool barrier permit be issued in Maricopa County?
- The pool barrier permit must be ISSUED by Maricopa County before you install the barrier, plaster the pool, or fill the pool with water. Source: https://www.maricopa.gov/6408/Residential-Pool-and-Barrier-Requirement
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- Maricopa County Planning and Development Department — official building department
- Residential Pool and Barrier Requirements | Maricopa County
- Local Additions and Addenda Section 3109 (Pool Barriers) — PDF
- Summary of the Fee Schedule, June 2024 — PDF
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Unincorporated Maricopa County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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