Do I need a permit for swimming pool or spa in Unincorporated Bulloch County?

Yes. In Georgia, swimming pool or spa generally requires a permit, and Unincorporated Bulloch County is no exception.

In-ground and most permanent pools and spas require a building permit plus electrical inspection in Georgia, along with a code-compliant safety barrier before final approval. Setbacks are measured to the pool and decking, so confirm side and rear yard requirements before excavation. Bulloch County's own permitting office is the Bulloch County Building Permit and Inspection Department, reachable on 912-489-1356 at https://bullochcounty.net/permitting/. Its online permit portal is https://bullochcountyga-energovpub.tylerhost.net/Apps/selfservice#/home. It issues permits for the unincorporated county. If your city does not run its own building department, and many smaller Georgia municipalities do not, this is the office that will handle the job. A pool involves a building permit, a separate electrical permit for bonding, and a barrier inspection before final sign-off. Bulloch County lists swimming pools and swimming pool enclosures as work that requires a permit. The county's Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools require the top of the barrier to be at least 48 inches above grade on the side away from the pool, and a decorative post cap does not count toward the height. Under the county guide, when horizontal rails are less than 45 inches apart they must be on the pool side and vertical openings may not exceed 1 3/4 inches, and chain link openings may not exceed 1 3/4 inches. A pool counts as an accessory structure under zoning Section 1403 and must meet the side or rear yard and property line setback rules.