POOL & SPA PERMITTING - GUELPH

City Requirements for fences, decks, pools & hot tubs

Fences & Decks
You are not required to get a permit to build a fence, but you will need to have your fencing approved if you are building it in conjunction with a pool or on a corner lot.

A permit is required for any deck that will be more than 0.6m (2 feet) above the finished grade of your property. You will also need a permit if the structure is more than 10 square metres (107 square feet). There are zoning regulations that you must follow depending on where you live. For example, in some areas of Guelph, structures that come within 3 metres (10 feet) from the rear lot line are prohibited. Always check with the zoning bylaws for your area before building a deck. Cost of a building permit for a deck is $60.

Hot Tubs
The City of Guelph requires you to either fence your property if you are installing a hot tub, or ensure it has a cover which will not collapse and can be locked when not in use. You are required to get a building permit to install a hot tub, which will cost $120. Make sure to bring a copy of your survey with you to apply for a permit. The tub must be at least 0.6 metres from the property line if it is less than 0.15 metres above grade, and 1.5 metres if it is more than 0.15 metres above grade.

Pools & Pool Fencing
Municipal officials will assess the following factors before issuing you a pool permit:

  • Pool size in relation to the lot size
  • Distance from property lines
  • Effect on the drainage of the property
  • The necessity for a damage deposit
  • Fencing and gates.

Ensure that your site plans include this information before heading down to the Building Department for your permit. A permit will cost about $120. You will also be required to pay a $575 deposit to cover any damage done to curbs, boulevards or sidewalks during the pool installation. Upon completion of the project you must notify the Building Services 519-837-5615 that the project is complete. Staff will direct an Operations employee to examine the curb, sidewalk and boulevard to determine if any damage has occurred as a result of the construction. If there is any damage, the amount required to repair the damage will be subtracted from your deposit. The balance less a $75 administration fee will be refunded to you.

Application for a Building Permit (Decks, Pools or Hot Tubs)
http://guelph.ca/uploads/PBS_Dept/building/Building%20Permit%20Application.pdf

To get more information for your project, you can call the City of Guelph’s Building Department at 837-5615; fax them at 822-4632 or e-mail to building@city.guelph.on.ca.

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