Do I need a permit for swimming pool or spa in Tempe?
Yes. In Arizona, swimming pool or spa generally requires a permit, and Tempe is no exception.
Tempe requires a permit for residential swimming pools and spas and enforces its own amendments to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; the required barrier is generally at least 5 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate that opens away from the pool, verified against the city's ISPSC amendments and Arizona pool-enclosure law (ARS 36-1681). Pool drain and grading/drainage aspects are handled through Tempe Private Development Engineering, and a Pool Elevation Waiver form may apply, so plan for both building and engineering review. Do not fill or use the pool until the required barrier passes inspection; confirm exact barrier height, gate latch height, and clearance rules against the city's current adopted code before building. Pool and spa safety is heavily regulated in Arizona. A barrier permit and approved enclosure must generally be in place before the pool is plastered or filled. Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-1681 reaches a contained body of water 18 inches or more deep that is wider than 8 feet at any point, and it lets a city or county enforce its own barrier ordinance instead where that ordinance is equal to or more stringent than the statute. Barrier specifics such as fence height, opening or sphere size, gate self-latching height and door alarms are set by your city or county. Maricopa County, Phoenix, Tucson and Pima County each publish their own barrier requirements, so confirm the exact rule with your jurisdiction.
Documents you may need
- Building Permit (BP) application submitted through the Tempe Citizen Access Portalrequired
- Plot plan showing the pool location, setbacks, and easements (Pool Elevation Waiver where applicable)required
- Pool barrier and gate details meeting Tempe's adopted Swimming Pool and Spa Code amendmentsrequired
- Permit applicationrequired
- Site plan showing pool location, setbacks, and required barrierrequired
- Pool structural and plumbing/equipment plansrequired
- Barrier/enclosure and gate detailsrequired
Possible inspections
- Pre-gunite steel and bonding inspection
- Barrier / Building Final (199) safety inspection
- Steel/pre-gunite inspection
- Plumbing and electrical/bonding inspections
- Barrier and self-latching gate inspection
- Final inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for swimming pool or spa in Tempe?
- Yes. In Arizona, swimming pool or spa generally requires a permit, and Tempe is no exception. Tempe requires a permit for residential swimming pools and spas and enforces its own amendments to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; the required barrier is generally at least 5 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate that opens away from the pool, verified against the city's ISPSC amendments and Arizona pool-enclosure law (ARS 36-1681). Pool drain and grading/drainage aspects are handled through Tempe Private Development Engineering, and a Pool Elevation Waiver form may apply, so plan for both building and engineering review. Do not fill or use the pool until the required barrier passes inspection; confirm exact barrier height, gate latch height, and clearance rules against the city's current adopted code before building. Pool and spa safety is heavily regulated in Arizona. A barrier permit and approved enclosure must generally be in place before the pool is plastered or filled. Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-1681 reaches a contained body of water 18 inches or more deep that is wider than 8 feet at any point, and it lets a city or county enforce its own barrier ordinance instead where that ordinance is equal to or more stringent than the statute. Barrier specifics such as fence height, opening or sphere size, gate self-latching height and door alarms are set by your city or county. Maricopa County, Phoenix, Tucson and Pima County each publish their own barrier requirements, so confirm the exact rule with your jurisdiction.
- Who issues the permit in Tempe?
- The local building department for Tempe handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.