Why does Ada County require a barrier acknowledgment letter before issuing a pool permit?

Due to a high volume of pool permits that never received final inspections, Ada County now requires a signed acknowledgment letter from both the contractor and the property owner before the building permit is issued. This letter confirms awareness of pool barrier requirements under the 2018 ISPSC. If a final inspection is not requested within one year, a property alert is placed preventing future building permits. Source: Swimming Pool Permit Application (Combined 2026), adacounty.id.gov/developmentservices.

Swimming Pool / Spa Permit in Unincorporated Ada County, Idaho

Required for in-ground swimming pools, above-ground pools, and spas in unincorporated Ada County. Governed by the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as adopted via Ordinance #919. A special barrier acknowledgment letter signed by the contractor and property owner is required BEFORE Ada County will issue the pool building permit. Unfinished pool permits (no final inspection within one year) trigger a property alert preventing new building permits.

Verified 2026-06-29 · Source

When you need this permit

Swimming Pool/Spa Permit Application plus full plans required
Barrier acknowledgment letter (Page 2 of the combined pool application) signed by both the contractor and the property owner must be submitted and received by Ada County BEFORE the building permit is issued
All pools/spas must comply with 2018 ISPSC barrier requirements
Final inspection must be requested within one year of permit issuance or an alert is placed on the property preventing further building permits

Required documents

Req
Swimming Pool Permit Application (Combined 2026) — including Barrier Acknowledgment Letter
Two-page application: Page 1 is the permit application; Page 2 is the required barrier acknowledgment letter that must be signed by contractor and property owner before the permit is issued. Available at adacounty.id.gov/developmentservices/permitting-division/applications-forms-templates/
Req
Pool/Spa Plans
Plans and specifications for pool/spa construction; submit as individual PDF files by email

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Swimming pool building permit fee	Valuation-based per Ada County 2025 Fee Schedule (Resolution 3149); see adacounty.id.gov/developmentservices/permitting-division/fees/	Barrier acknowledgment letter must be on file before permit is issued.

Review timeline

~5–14 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Ada County building department

Inspection process

1
Excavation / Steel / Shell
Before gunite or shotcrete application — verify excavation, rebar, and plumbing per 2018 ISPSC
2
Barrier / Fence
Pool safety barrier verified per 2018 ISPSC Chapter 3 requirements before pool is placed in service
3
Final
All work complete, pool filled, equipment operational, all barriers in place. Must be requested within one year of permit issuance.

Tips

The barrier acknowledgment letter (Page 2 of the combined pool application, signed by both the contractor and the property owner) must be in Ada County's possession BEFORE the building permit will be issued.
If a final inspection is not requested within one year of the pool permit issuance date, Ada County places a property alert that prevents all further building permits on the parcel until the pool passes final.
Ada County uses the 2018 ISPSC — check Chapter 3 barrier requirements for pool fence height, gate self-latching, and climbability standards.
Electrical for pool equipment is under the Idaho Division of Building Safety (DBS), not Ada County.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Ada County require a barrier acknowledgment letter before issuing a pool permit?: Due to a high volume of pool permits that never received final inspections, Ada County now requires a signed acknowledgment letter from both the contractor and the property owner before the building permit is issued. This letter confirms awareness of pool barrier requirements under the 2018 ISPSC. If a final inspection is not requested within one year, a property alert is placed preventing future building permits. Source: Swimming Pool Permit Application (Combined 2026), adacounty.id.gov/developmentservices.

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.

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 Ada County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Other permits in Unincorporated Ada County

Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition)Commercial Building Permit (New Construction / Tenant Improvement)Mechanical / HVAC Permit Grading & Drainage Permit Agricultural Structure Permit (Zoning Certificate)

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