Pool Permit

• May not encroach in public utility or drainage easements.

• Pools must be at least 3 ft. from the property line, provided that there are no easements.

• Pools must be at least 5 ft. from underground power lines & 10 ft. from overhead power lines.

• Pools are strictly prohibited in front yards & required corner side yards.

• Pools should be located a minimum of 6 ft. from the house.

• Both in-ground and above-ground pools with a capacity for containing water over 24 inches in depth or with a capacity of over 100 cubic feet require a permit.

• Both In-ground and above ground pools require building and electrical permits, including fees.

• All electrical installation of pools must meet branch circuit, grounding, and bonding code requirements as set in the National Electric Code 2014 edition (attached).

• Both in-ground and above-ground pools (inclusive of attached deck and patio surfaces) are subject to the setback requirements as presented on the example plat of survey.

• An underground and final electrical inspection are required for all above ground pools. 

• An underground, bonding, and final electrical inspection are required for all in ground pools.

For controlled access to the pool, the following is required:

• Both in-ground and above ground pools with a capacity for containing water over 24 inches in depth or with a capacity of over 100 cubic feet must be enclosed with a fence that is at least 4 ft. high.

• For above-ground pools at least 4 feet in height, a railing along the entire top of the pool with a lockable ladder/gate is an acceptable alternative.

Sec. 8-483. Proof of contract for fencing prerequisite to issuance of permit. The building inspector shall require proof of a contract for the supply and/or erection of any fence required by section 8-482 of this article prior to granting any building permits for the construction or erection of a family swimming pool or a portable family swimming pool. (Ord. No. 5347, § 4, 8-5-69; Ord. No. 7456, § 9, 1-6-81)

Article 680 2014 National Electrical Code

Branch Circuits

• Listed swimming pool pump motor with a 12/3 AWG twist lock cord not longer than 36 inches

• A 20 amp GFCI protected twist lock receptacle shall be located between 6 - 10 feet from inside of pool wall for pool pump use only.

• Install disconnect switch or dead front GFCI above receptacle for pool pump.

• A 20 amp GFCI convenience receptacle must be installed between 6 - 10 feet from the inside wall of the pool.

• A #12 AWG copper grounding conductor, green in color shall be pulled with branch circuit conductors.

• Junction Boxes must be listed for wet location and independently supported.

• Listed wet location IN USE covers for all receptacles and switches.

• Circuit breakers must match panel manufacturer.

• Extension cords are not permitted.

• Pool light and heater will be powered from convenience receptacle with GFCI protection.

Underground raceways

• Branch circuits must be installed in RMC, IMC, or Electrical PVC conduit.

• RMC or IMC type conduit must be installed a minimum of 6 inches below grade.

• Electrical PVC type conduit must be installed a minimum of 18 inches below grade.

• All exposed conduits shall be RMC or IMC type conduit.

Bonding

• A solid #8 AWG copper equipotential bonding conductor shall be installed to connect all pool equipment and metal surfaces within 5 feet of the inside of the pool wall.

• Equipotential bonding lugs must be suitable for the purpose.

• A pool water bonding kit must be installed on the pool pump or on the pool skimmer.

Inspections

• An underground and final electrical inspection are required.

An accurate plat of survey is required for all permits for installation of, replacement of, and additions to fences, decks, pools, patios (with or without a roof), driveways, driveway aprons, sidewalks, garage/ carports, pergolas and similar structures, and additions. This includes the replacement of flatwork (driveways, aprons, sidewalks) with the same dimensions and location.

If you’re having troubles locating your Plat of Survey, refer to these options:

1. Closing Papers from Purchase of Property.

2. Contacting the Mortgage Company.

3. FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Request with the City of Joliet City Clerk’s Office.

Note: This option may only yield results if the plat of survey was provided to the City of Joliet in the past for a building permit or a special zoning approval. You may also try calling Local Surveying Companies for possibility of a previous copy or to get a new plat of survey.

Note: The City of Joliet is not responsible for keeping plats of survey on file.