Do I need a permit for swimming pool or spa in Highland Park?
Yes. In Illinois, swimming pool or spa generally requires a permit, and Highland Park is no exception.
In-ground and permanent above-ground pools require a permit in most Illinois jurisdictions. The often-quoted exemption for prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep comes from the model residential code, not from Illinois law, so confirm the depth and pool type your jurisdiction actually exempts. Most local codes mandate a compliant safety barrier and electrical bonding before the pool can be used. Highland Park requires a permit for swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas and publishes a specific requirement sheet. Barriers, fencing, gates, and covers must comply with the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted and amended by the City. Confirm the current barrier rules with the Highland Park Building Division. Pool electrical wiring and bonding must be done by a State of Illinois licensed electrical contractor registered with the City, and any plumbing must be done by an Illinois state-licensed plumber. Pools near a ravine, bluff, or regulated drainage feature can trigger Drainage and Grading review or Lake County Watershed Development review, so address grading and stormwater early.
Documents you may need
- Site plan showing pool location and setbacksrequired
- Barrier/fence and gate detailsrequired
- Electrical bonding and equipment planLikely required
- Pool structure/equipment spec sheetsSometimes required
- Building permit application filed through the City's Civic Access self-service portalrequired
- Plat of survey showing the pool, safety barrier, and equipment location, per the City's Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Spa requirement sheetrequired
- State-licensed electrical contractor registered with the City for pool wiring and bonding, plus plumbing where applicablerequired
Possible inspections
- Bonding/electrical inspection
- Barrier/fence inspection
- Final inspection
- Building and safety-barrier inspection by the Highland Park Building Division
- Electrical bonding and equipment inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for swimming pool or spa in Highland Park?
- Yes. In Illinois, swimming pool or spa generally requires a permit, and Highland Park is no exception. In-ground and permanent above-ground pools require a permit in most Illinois jurisdictions. The often-quoted exemption for prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep comes from the model residential code, not from Illinois law, so confirm the depth and pool type your jurisdiction actually exempts. Most local codes mandate a compliant safety barrier and electrical bonding before the pool can be used. Highland Park requires a permit for swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas and publishes a specific requirement sheet. Barriers, fencing, gates, and covers must comply with the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted and amended by the City. Confirm the current barrier rules with the Highland Park Building Division. Pool electrical wiring and bonding must be done by a State of Illinois licensed electrical contractor registered with the City, and any plumbing must be done by an Illinois state-licensed plumber. Pools near a ravine, bluff, or regulated drainage feature can trigger Drainage and Grading review or Lake County Watershed Development review, so address grading and stormwater early.
- Who issues the permit in Highland Park?
- The local building department for Highland Park 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.