Pelham Planning & Development
Pool Permits
Permits are required for above-ground pools as well as in-ground pools.
To apply for a pool permit you must submit a completed application form with two copies of the proposed site plan, showing the proposed location of the pool and distances from each property line, to the Building Division at the Town Hall. The plans may be prepared in either metric or imperial values. If your home is on a septic system, you will need to indicate the location of the septic tank and tile bed on the site plan and the distance between it and the proposed pool location. If you do not have this information, you will need to contact the Niagara Regional Public Health Department at 905.685.1571 for their approval of the location of the pool.
Your application and plans will then be checked for compliance with the Zoning By-law, the Ontario Building Code and other applicable regulations.
You will be advised by the Plan Examiner of any modifications required to your plans in order for your project to comply with the Building Code and Zoning By-laws.
Your pool permit will be issued when you have obtained all other necessary approvals.
To obtain an inspection, the owner, contractor or authorized agent must notify the Building Division at least one regular business day in advance of the following stages of work
- The completion of the excavation and the readiness to construct footings.
- Upon completion of the pool, prior to filling.
Subsection 6.1 of the Zoning By-law provides the following direction for the location of swimming pools and structures and uses accessory thereto:
6.1 ACCESSORY USES; (f) SWIMMING POOLS;
Location in Any Zone
Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law to the contrary, in any zone a swimming pool may be erected and used in any side yard or rear yard, provided:
- no interior wall surface of any such swimming pool shall be located closer than 1.5 m (4.92 ft) to any side lot line, rear lot line or exterior side lot line, or closer than 3.0 m (9.84 ft) to that portion of a rear lot line which abuts a side lot line of any adjoining lot;
- no water circulating or treatment equipment, such as pumps or filters, shall be located closer than 3.0 m (9.84 ft) to any side lot line or rear lot line or 1.2 m (4.0 ft) to any side lot line or rear lot line if enclosed in an accessory building or structure or closer to any street than the required yard for the main building or structure.
Notwithstanding the above, a swimming pool may be permitted in any front yard beyond the required front yard in any Commercial Zone.
Lot Coverage Exemption - A swimming pool shall not be considered as part of the lot coverage provided no part of the swimming pool or its railing protrudes more than 1.4 m above the ground level on any side surrounding the swimming pool.
Indoor Swimming Pools - A separate building or structure containing or enclosing a swimming pool shall comply with all the accessory building provisions of the zone in which such building or structure is located.
NOTE: THIS EXCERPT IS PREPARED FOR PURPOSES OF CONVENIENCE ONLY, AND FOR ACCURATE REFERENCE RECOURSE SHOULD BE HAD TO THE ORIGINAL BY-LAWS
Pool Fencing Requirements
Fencing, a minimum height of 5', is required for both in-ground and above-ground pools. In the case of above-ground pools, a railing on the top of the pool is considered sufficient providing the minimum height of 5' is maintained.
You will need the Adobe Reader® software to view or print the Pool Fencing By-law. You may download this software for FREE. Once you have downloaded the software, return to this page and make your selection from the following: