Swimming Pools

Building Division
City Hall, 3rd Floor
71 Main Street West, Hamilton
Call 905-546-2720 or
Email [email protected]

Do I Need a Building Permit?
You do not need a Building Permit to install a swimming pool.
You do need a Building Permit to:
- construct the pool enclosure (fence)
- construct a deck in addition to or adjacent to the pool
Pool enclosures are required for all swimming pools.
You do not need a Building Permit to install a swimming pool, however you do need a Building Permit to construct the pool enclosure (fence). Pool enclosures are required for all swimming pools. The pool enclosure must be in accordance with The City of Hamilton's Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law No. 16-184 with Amendment By-law No. 22-059.
You must not excavate or build a pool enclosure until you get a Building Permit. Do not put water in the pool until you have the swimming pool enclosure in place and you receive final approval from the City.
The Swimming Pool Enclosure Checklist is required to be completed and submitted with the Enclosure Permit Application. If a Site Alteration Permit is required, it must be approved though the Growth Management Division prior to the issuance of the Enclosure Permit.
If you are planning on repairing or replacing an existing pool enclosure (fence) contact the Building Division to determine if a permit is required at 905-546-2720.
Note: If a deck is constructed in addition to or adjacent to the pool, a separate permit will be required for the deck. Structural information, an application form and permit fee will apply.
Ask our Virtual Agent
Looking to install a new swimming pool, hot tub or swim-spa? Direct your questions to our new Virtual Agent, designed to help you quickly access information about pool enclosure permits, zoning requirements and information for pool installation.
How to use the Virtual Agent? Type your question into the box showing "Type your message" and hit enter or the send arrow. The Virtual Agent will provide you with more information on the topic to help answer your question.
Pool Enclosure Permit (Fence)
There are two ways to apply for a Building Permit:
Step 1. Complete Application
Application to Construct or Demolish
You will need to ensure these sections of the form are completed:
- Section A - Project information
- Section B - Purpose of application (ensure to indicate by circling the type ie. alteration/repair)
- Section C - Applicant - this is the persons we will contact while reviewing the application
- Section D - If the applicant is the owner, please write 'SAME' in this section. If not, please complete fully.
- Section E - Provide the name of the contractor installing the pool and enclosure. If unknown, write 'TBD'
- Section F - Both i and ii should be 'NO' as this is not a new dwelling
- Section G - You must include drawings with your application
- Section H - Read carefully and answer accordingly
- Section I - This name must match Section C, date and sign.
Schedule 1 and 2 are not required for the pool enclosure application
Step 2. Create Drawing
You must include a survey, site or plot plan of the property. View a pool enclosure sample drawing
- A survey, site or plot plan of the property must show the location of:
- proposed pool and distance from the pool to all property lines
- pool equipment (pump, etc.) and distance from equipment to all property lines
- all existing or proposed structures on the property (i.e. detached garage, decks, sheds etc.)
- all easements on the property and their location and width
- fence and gates on the property; clearly indicate the height and construction material (wood, chain-link, wrought iron etc.) for all existing and proposed fences
- private sewage disposal (Septic) system, the location of the system components (tank, bed etc.) and their setbacks to the pool must be shown on the plot plan (if applicable to your property)
Step 3. Submit Application
You need to drop off your application to:
Building Division
City Hall, 3rd Floor
71 Main Street, Hamilton
Step 1. Review User Guide & Start Application
Follow the instructions in the Application User Guide for ePLANs
Quick Reference Guide for Swimming Pool Enclosures
For swimming pool enclosure permits for existing or new swimming pools serving a single-family dwelling choose these options when applying for a permit:
- What type of permit are you applying for? CONSTRUCTION
- What is the primary proposed use of building or tenant space? RESIDENTIAL
- How many stories does the building have? Enter the NUMBER OF STORIES OF THE SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
- What is the building area? Enter the APPROXIMATE FOOT PRINT AREA OF THE SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING IN METRES SQUARED
- What is the proposed use of the building? SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
- What type of work are you doing? SWIMMING POOL ENCLOSURE
- Address - type your address in the 'Search for a Property' field and you will be see options autogenerate as you type. Choose the correct open and then select 'Next'.
- Project Description - Describe the purpose of the permit, the type and size of the pool installed ie. Enclosure for a 16ft x 24 ft in-ground swimming pool.
Step 2. Submit Drawings
All drawings must follow these guidelines:
- All drawings must be neat, clear and legible. Drawings may be drawn by hand but must be scanned and saved as one of the acceptable file types (PDF, JPG, PNG, TIFF, BMP). Photographs taken of drawings are not permitted to be submitted. View a sample pool enclosure drawing
- The upper right corner of the drawing must have a 2-inch by 3-inch space that is empty and absent of any writing, logos etc. The City of Hamilton approval stamp will be placed in this location.
- A survey, site or plot plan of the property must show the location of:
- proposed pool and distance from the pool to all property lines
- pool equipment (pump, etc.) and distance from equipment to all property lines
- all existing or proposed structures on the property (i.e. detached garage, decks, sheds etc.)
- all easements on the property and their location and width
- fence and gates on the property; clearly indicate the height and construction material (wood, chain-link, wrought iron etc.) for all existing and proposed fences
- private sewage disposal (Septic) system, the location of the system components (tank, bed etc.) and their setbacks to the pool must be shown on the plot plan (if applicable to your property)