Swimming Pool Fence Permit

Thinking about getting a pool or a hot tub?

A Pool Enclosure Permit must be obtained from the Municipal Enforcement & Licensing Department for any pool or hot tub  on private property that is more than 24" in depth, regardless if there is an existing fence. 

Hot tubs may not require an enclosure if they have a lockable lid. However, they would still require a permit and an inspection.

Proposed pools / hot tubs located in a flood zone must first get approval from Ganaraska Conservation Authority. This permission must be submitted with the Application.

Permit Applications must be submitted through the online permitting system CloudPermit.ca. 

Pools/Hot tubs cannot be filled with water until an inspection has been completed by the Municipal Enforcement & Licensing Department and approval has been given.

Zoning Requirements

Regulations for Swimming Pools Private swimming pools, including in-ground and above ground pools, may be constructed and maintained as accessory uses to a dwelling provided that such a use: (i) Shall only be permitted in the rear yard of the lot; (ii) Shall not be located within 1.5 metres (5 ft.) of a side or rear lot line, or within 3 metres (10 ft) of a lot line which abuts the street and no water circulating or treatment equipment such as pumps or filters shall be located closer than 3 metres (10 Ft) to any side or rear lot line; (iii) Shall be considered part of the landscaped open space area for the purposes of lot coverage.

Enclosure Requirements

Enclosure must be non-climbable. Enclosures must be 1.83 metres in height, with a bottom clearance of not more than 7.6 centimetres from the ground and have no rails or horizontal or diagonal attachments on the outside that would facilitate climbing. Enclosures must be supported  on  substantial  posts  of  wood  or  steel which  are  securely  imbedded  in the  ground. Enclosures cannot be located closer than 1.2 metres to water's edge of the pool.

Wooden Enclosures

- supports cannot be  more than  2.4  metres  apart.

- vertical board construction with  maximum board spacing of 3.8 cm.

Chain Link Enclosures

- supports cannot be  more than  3.0  metres  apart.

- diamond mesh of chain link fence cannot be greater than 3.8 cm with galvanized wire of not less than 11 gauge.

Gates

Gates must be 1.83 metres in height and must be self closing and self latching. Gates must be kept locked at all times except when the enclosed area is in use. 

Application Requirements

Applicant must upload a site plan indicating

- location of pool, dimensions of pool

- enclosure and gate details

- location of any pool / hot tub equipment

After Applicant is granted a permit to commence construction / installation of pool / hot tub, Applicant must also contact Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing to arrange an inspection prior to filling pool / hot tub with water. 

Bylaw

To review the Town of Cobourg's By-law, please click here.