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Please note: The information on this webpage still reflects the policies and regulations that were in effect prior to Zoning Bylaw 20001 coming into effect on January 1, 2024.
If you have specific questions regarding how the current zoning regulations apply to your project, please refer to Zoning Bylaw 20001, speak with your Development Planner, or email us at developmentpermits@edmonton.ca
Thank you for your patience as we update our content.
Development and building permits may be required for hot tubs or private swimming pools.
Building permits are required for:
Permits are not required for:
*Private swimming pool means a swimming pool that is constructed for use by only the owners and/or their guests or tenants of the main home or associated secondary (for example, basement) suite. A public swimming pool for community use requires a commercial permit.
Separate permits are required for heating and ventilation, plumbing, gas or electrical work associated with your hot tub or private swimming pool. Please see the application requirements section in Step 1.
In addition to a hot tub and swimming pool permit, other permits may be required for retaining walls, decks or other structures associated with or supporting your hot tub or private swimming pool. Please see the trade permit information in the Application Requirements section in Step 1.
A development permit is typically not required unless your hot tub or private swimming pool does not meet the required setbacks or your property is abutting a valley or ravine as identified in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System Protection Overlay, regardless of its location on your property. Please see the Understand Your Location Restrictions section in Step 1.
2024 fees effective January 1, 2024
Hot Tub and Swimming Pool Permit Fees
| Development Permit Fee (if applicable) | $140 |
| Building Permit Fee | $115 |
| Safety Codes (Trades) Permit Fee | $4.60 |
| Total Permit Fee | $259.60 |
Review the 2024 residential permit and fees schedule for a full list of associated permit fees.
There are several ways to make a payment.
Application processing times can be found on the development and construction application processing times web page in the home improvement permits section. You can also visit the building permit queue time web page for general building permit processing wait times or check the status of your specific application by visiting the project dashboard at selfserve.edmonton.ca.
Why you need a development permit
Development permits ensure your projects are allowed and fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood as per the Zoning Bylaw.
Why you need a building permit
Building and trade permits ensure that what is built is safe and that design and construction are done following the Alberta Safety Codes Act.
Why permits are important
Permits are an important part of guiding development and achieving the safe, inclusive, vibrant and walkable city envisioned by The City Plan.
Permits allow you to begin construction. Starting work without written permission can result in stop-work orders, fines or administrative penalties.
Application requirements vary for different types of swimming pools and hot tubs. Review the following sections to guide your application preparation and avoid processing delays.
If your hot tub or pool is on a property that abuts a valley or ravine as identified in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System Protection Overlay, a Development Permit is required. Contact us to speak with a Development Officer to find out specific rules for these properties.
Find the zone and overlay that apply to your property
Check the following ground restrictions for planning your hot tub or private swimming pool:
Swimming pool means a structure, basin or tank containing an artificially created pool of water that is used for swimming, recreation, bathing, diving, wading, healing or therapy, religious rituals or other purposes, and includes all buildings, equipment and facilities used in connection with it.
Private swimming pool means a swimming pool that is constructed for use by only the owners and/or their guests or tenants of the main home or associated secondary (basement) suite. A public swimming pool for community use requires a commercial permit.
Whirlpool means a swimming pool, including hot tubs, containing water at a temperature above 30°C that is designed primarily for therapeutic or recreational use and that:
Wading pool means a swimming pool that is 60 centimetres (about 24 inches) or less in depth throughout and is used for swimming, bathing, wading, or other similar purposes. Temporary wading pools emptied after every use do not require permits.
The site plan shows the entire existing property. City staff need the site plan to understand where a hot tub or private swimming pool will be located on the property.
The site plan must include:
Drawing Tips:
For hot tubs or whirlpools:
For above-ground manufactured private swimming pool:
For in-ground or custom private swimming pools:
For safety and to prevent access by unauthorized persons, an outdoor private swimming pool or hot tub area must either be enclosed or have a protective cover.
If the private swimming pool is located in a yard with a perimeter fence or wall that is at least 1.8 metres (6 feet) tall and the only way to access the pool within the enclosed yard is through a gate, building, or similar facility, then there is no requirement for another, separate enclosure around any part of the pool.
Enclosure and gate requirements:
Protective cover:
An alternative to constructing the specified enclosure (fence/wall and gate) to restrict unauthorized access to water in a private swimming pool or hot tub is a protective cover.
Have the supplier provide documentation demonstrating the cover meets two specific requirements:
In addition to a hot tub and swimming pool permit, other permits may also be required for retaining walls, decks or other structures associated with or supporting your hot tub or private swimming pool.
If a hot tub or pool is installed in or associated with:
Submit an application for the building, development and/or trade permits associated with the project once all plans and supporting documents needed are prepared (see Step 1). Submitting an incomplete application can result in delays.
Drop off or mail in your application to the Edmonton Service Centre. Applicants need to include:
City staff will review your application to ensure your project complies with the Zoning Bylaw and the Alberta Safety Codes Act.
Applicants can make changes while the application is in progress. Consult with the City employee assigned to your file.
Please note: changes may be subject to additional fees.
Permit holders can request changes after the permit has been issued by visiting the project dashboard.
Please note: additional charges may apply for revisions.
Complete and submit the cancellation and refund form if you no longer plan to continue with the work.
City staff may also reach out to you to request additional information at various stages of the permit application review process.
Building permit and trade permit inspections are a required part of all residential and commercial construction projects in Edmonton. These inspections allow for proactive and reactive adjustments during construction and help ensure that what is being built is safe and meets minimum code requirements.
Every permit holder is responsible for requesting the required inspections for each stage of project construction. Check SelfServe to book the required inspections for your project.
Each inspection on a project will have an outcome of pass or fail and work is not complete until it passes all required inspections. The final building permit inspection should only be scheduled once all other inspections are complete.
Permit holders can request an inspection within their SelfServe project dashboard under the 'Inspections' heading, or by calling 311.
Please note: When mechanical work like HVAC, electrical, plumbing or gas is involved, separate inspections are required.
Contact our Development Services team to get help with your project.
Appointments
Book an appointment for general questions about your project and the permit requirements.
Phone
311 (outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311)
| Telephone | In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
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