Do I need a permit for swimming pool or spa in Memphis?
Yes. In Tennessee, swimming pool or spa generally requires a permit, and Memphis is no exception.
In-ground and larger above-ground pools require a permit in Tennessee. Barrier, gate and electrical bonding rules are enforced strictly for drowning and shock prevention. Which code edition sets those details depends on whether your area falls under the State Fire Marshal's residential program, which enforces the 2018 International Residential Code, or under a local program that adopted its own edition. Electrical work for pool equipment requires a separate electrical permit and bonding inspection. Requirements are enforced locally in Nashville, Memphis and Shelby County, and Knox County. Residential pools are permitted through the joint Memphis and Shelby County Construction Code Enforcement office, and the required barrier/fencing and electrical bonding are inspected; electrical work is issued as a separate trade permit. Setbacks and lot placement are verified against the subdivision plat before issuance via the Develop901 portal. This is general guidance; confirm barrier and equipment requirements with the authority.
Documents you may need
- Permit applicationRequired
- Site plan showing pool location, setbacks, and barrier/fenceRequired
- Pool construction details and equipment/electrical bonding planRequired
- Barrier (fence) and safety details meeting codeRequired
- Building permit application (Develop901 / Accela portal)Required
- Site plan showing pool location, setbacks, and barrier/fencingRequired
- Electrical permit for pool equipment bonding and wiringLikely required
- Plumbing / equipment detailsSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Barrier / safety fence inspection
- Electrical bonding and equipment inspection
- Final inspection
- Electrical bonding and grounding inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for swimming pool or spa in Memphis?
- Yes. In Tennessee, swimming pool or spa generally requires a permit, and Memphis is no exception. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
- Who issues the permit in Memphis?
- The local building department for Memphis 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.