Swimming Pool / Spa Permit in Unincorporated Washoe County, Nevada
Required for construction of new in-ground or above-ground swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs in unincorporated Washoe County. Governed by the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and the 2024 IRC. A separate electrical permit is also required.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Submit Pool Permit Application (2021) via ONe NV permit portal
- Review Residential Pool and Spa Handout (2022) before submitting
- Plans must include site plan showing pool location, setbacks, fencing/barrier details, and equipment location
- Barrier/fence enclosure meeting WCC Chapter 100 and 2024 IRC R326 required before pool can be used
- Separate electrical permit required for pool wiring, bonding, and underwater lighting
Required documents
- Req
Pool Permit Application (2021)
Specific Washoe County pool permit application
- Opt
Residential Pool and Spa Handout (2022)
County handout with submittal requirements for residential pools
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private swimming pool, spa, or hot tub — permit fee | $45.00 | WCC Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 7, item 1 (Private): $45.00 flat |
| Pool filling system including backflow prevention — 2 inch diameter or smaller | $6.00 | Table 7, item 2 — in addition to pool permit fee |
| Water heater and/or vent (pool heater) | $6.00 | Table 7, item 3 |
| Gas piping system (pool heater gas line) | $10.00 | Table 7, item 4 |
| Electrical permit for pool — private residential in-ground pool (complete system) | $45.00 base + $15.00 | Table 8, Private Swimming Pools — separate electrical permit required |
Review timeline
~5–20 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Washoe County building department
Inspection process
- 1
Excavation / Pre-Gunite
Steel reinforcement installed, before gunite/concrete — verify setbacks and dimensions
- 2
Rough Plumbing / Electrical
Plumbing lines and electrical bonding before backfill and decking
- 3
Barrier / Fencing
Pool barrier and fence enclosure installed before pool can be filled
- 4
Final
Equipment operational, safety covers, anti-entrapment drains, electrical bonding/grounding verified
Tips
- The pool permit fee in Washoe County is a flat $45 for a private residential pool — separate fees apply for the pool heater, gas piping, and electrical work.
- Pool barrier must be installed and inspected before the pool can be filled or used.
- Above-ground pools under 24 inches in depth are exempt from permit per the county's exempt-work list.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the swimming pool permit fee in unincorporated Washoe County?
- The base pool permit fee is $45 flat for a private residential pool (Table 7). Additional fees apply for the pool heater ($6), gas piping ($10), and a separate electrical permit ($45 base + $15) for the pool wiring and bonding. Total typical permit cost is $121 before any trade permit variations.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- Washoe County Building Program — official building department
- Pool Permit Application (2021) — Washoe County Building Program
- Residential Pool and Spa Handout (2022)
- Washoe County Code Chapter 100, Appendix A, Table 7 — Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Permit Fees
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 Washoe County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
Other permits in Unincorporated Washoe County
Get the AI compliance checklist
Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.