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City ServicesCommunity Development
There are forms or permits related to this department available in the Online Reference Desk section of our website.  Click here.Overview  |  Department Head Biography  |  This document is available to view in PDF format. Adopted Building Code Changes
Architectural Review Commission  |  Building Permits    |  Business License Process
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Community Development     Project Procedures and Requirements
Overview  |  Commercial - Existing Buildings  |  Commercial - New Buildings
Concrete Work  |  Decks  |  Demolition  |  Driveways and Paved (Hard) Surfaces
Miscellaneous  |  New Single Family Residence  |  Pools, Spas and Ponds
Residential Detached Garages  |  Remodeling, Room Additions and Attached Garages
Right-Of-Way Excavations  |  Sanitary Sewer Lateral Program  |  Signs  |  Storage Sheds

Swimming Pools, Spas and Ponds

  1. A permit application must be completed and brought in with two (2) copies of the Plat of Survey are required, indicating all permanent structures on the property and the location and size of the requested pool. Permits are required for all pools over 24" deep.
  2. Surveys must show the pool a minimum of five (5’) from rear and side property lines, ten feet (10’) horizontal distance from any overhead wires and the location of the required five-foot (5’) minimum height fence. (See below for additional fence requirements.) Pools may not be located on easements or in a required front or side yard.
  3. Detailed construction drawings are required for in-ground pools. These drawings can be obtained from the pool company.
  4. Pool capacity, pump capacity and turnover rate, and filter type must be shown on the permit application.
  5. Two (2) copies of literature pertaining to the pool, pump, filter, and accessories must be submitted, including UL tested approval and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
  6. All pumps and filter equipment must be wired direct to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. A licensed electrical contractor must do the electrical work.
  7. A backflow prevention device (anti-siphon device) must be permanently installed on sillcocks or any device which supplies water to the pool.
  8. A five-foot (5’) high fence is required around inground pools. It must latch and have self-closing gates with locking capabilities at all openings. An above ground pool requires a minimum five-foot (5’) high fence or a raised deck or fence of a least five feet (5’) in total height and an access ladder that folds up and locks in position. The top of the fence must be five feet (5’) above any standing surface, including stairs. Pool area must be secured from access while unattended.
  9. An approved lockable lid satisfies the enclosure requirements for a spa.
  10. Any and all required excavations must be noted on drawings and all soils from the excavation(s) shall be hauled to an approved dumpsite. If the pool or spa is to be installed on a concrete pad, the concrete must be a minimum of 4" thick with a 4" gravel base (minimum).
  11. Any exceptions to the above may require a variation.
  12. Where a wall of a dwelling unit serves as part of the barrier and contains a door that provides direct access to the pool area, one of the following shall apply:
  • All doors with direct access to the pool area through that wall shall be equipped with an alarm, which produces an audible warning when the door or its screen, if present, are opened. The audible warning shall commence not more than 7 seconds after the door or door screen, if present, are opened and shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds. The alarm shall have a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 DBA at 10 feet (the sound of the alarm shall be distinctive from other household sounds such as smoke alarms, telephones and door bells The alarm shall be equipped with manual means, such as touch pads or switches, to deactivate temporarily the alarm for a single opening from either direction. Such deactivation shall last for not more than 15 second.
  • Call JULIE, Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators, at 1-800-892-0123, for utility line location information. JULIE is a free service.
  • Be advised that the above mentioned are guidelines. Each permit is treated individually and certain other requirements may apply. Once the above-mentioned information is submitted, the correct determination can be made.
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    City of Des Plaines
    1420 Miner St.
    Des Plaines, IL  60016
    847-391-5300

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