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City of Dallas Pool Permit Guide

Francis Thumpasery

Francis Thumpasery

Last updated:

May 16, 2025

Published:

May 14, 2025

Reading time:

4

minutes

As of Q1 2025, Dallas leads the state of Texas as #1 for new swimming pool construction — there were 200 swimming pool permits pulled in February 2025, with an average construction value of $68,937. In other words: There’s tons of potential for pool builders in Dallas!

Unfortunately, navigating pool permitting in Dallas can quickly become a headache for builders and contractors unfamiliar with local requirements. 

This guide simplifies each step by clearly outlining the necessary forms, safety regulations, and required documentation. With the right information at hand, you can minimize delays and keep your project moving quickly from start to finish.

Pull pool permits in Dallas faster with PermitFlow. Learn more.

Do you need a permit to build a pool in Dallas?

Yes, the City of Dallas mandates permits for most swimming pool installations. 

According to the city, a permit is required for:

  • In-ground pools
  • Above-ground pools exceeding 24 inches in depth
  • Pools with a capacity over 5,000 gallons
  • Pools involving electrical or plumbing work

Failing to obtain the necessary permits can result in fines and mandatory removal of the unpermitted pool.

Dallas pool building regulations

In Dallas, pool safety regulations are strictly enforced. You’ll have to adhere closely to these guidelines to ensure compliance.

Fencing requirements

Pools in Dallas must be fully enclosed by fencing at least 4 feet high. Fences need to be constructed in a way that prevents children from gaining unsupervised access. Additionally, fences must feature self-closing and self-latching gates.

Pool depth markers

For pools deeper than 5 feet, visible and clearly marked depth indicators are required. These markers must be easy to read from within the pool itself. 

City of Dallas pool permit fees

The Dallas Building Inspection Division’s fee schedule available online doesn’t highlight specific pool permitting costs, but does list other relevant fees you’ll likely have to pay: 

Fee type Amount
Master permit $100.00 minimum
Site plan review Greater of $50 or $0.004 per sq. ft. of pool/paved area
Plan review Greater of $150 or $0.012 per sq. ft. of pool area
Infrastructure inspection Minimum $600 (depending on valuation — likely applicable if digging affects utilities)
Trade permits
  • Electrical Permit: likely required for lighting, pumps
  • Plumbing Permit: for water lines, drains, etc.
  • Each trade permit adds $100 to $125 based on type

How long do pool permits last in Dallas?

In Dallas, building permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If construction has not begun within this timeframe, the permit will expire.

If your permit expires but you haven't finished yet, you can request a one-time extension of an additional 180 days — just submit a written request before the original permit expires.

City of Dallas pool permit application process

Planning to install a pool in Dallas, TX? The permit application process — like many municipal procedures — can be long and tedious. Below are the essential steps you'll need to follow to secure your pool permit.

Step 1: Prepare required documents

First, you’ll need to prepare the necessary documents. For the City of Dallas pool permit application, you need:

  • Completed application
  • Two copies of a site plan, including:
    • Property lines
    • Pool location and dimensions
    • Setbacks from property lines
    • Location of pool equipment
    • Fencing and barrier details
    • Easements and utility lines
  • Description of alarm systems or self-closing, self-latching gates

Step 2: Submit the application

Submit the completed application and supporting documents online or in person.

If you want to submit online, you’ll need to set up an online account with the city’s Department of Development Services. Once you’re logged in, follow the prompts to submit your application.

If you prefer to apply in person, visit the City of Dallas Building Inspection Department:

  • 320 E. Jefferson Blvd. Dallas, TX 75203
  • (214) 948-4480
Note: As of May 2025, the City of Dallas has transitioned from its old platform to a new one, called DallasNow

Step 3: Pay permit fees

Pay all associated permit fees either inline, by mail, or in person.

Step 4: Schedule inspections

After permit approval, schedule necessary inspections during various construction phases to ensure compliance with city codes. Inspections can be scheduled by calling the City's automated inspection line at (214) 670-5313.

Mail-in payments Walk-in payments
City of Dallas
Special Collections Division
P.O. Box 139076
Dallas, TX 75313-9076
City of Dallas
City Hall, 2nd Floor
1500 Marilla St., 2DS
Dallas, TX 75201

City of Dallas pool permit resources

Streamline Dallas pool permitting with PermitFlow

Need a City of Dallas pool permit? Your business has more important tasks at hand to be spending hours  researching permitting requirements, preparing paperwork, and chasing down municipal employees for status updates.

Instead, let PermitFlow handle permitting for you.

Builders, contractors, and construction companies trust PermitFlow because we:

  • Know the rules: Our team understands exactly what Dallas requires, so we get it right the first time
  • Keep everything in one spot: See all your permits in a single place
  • Get permits faster: We submit everything correctly from the start, so you can begin your project sooner
Don't let permit challenges slow you down. Contact us today to see how we can help with your projects in Dallas.

As of Q1 2025, Dallas leads the state of Texas as #1 for new swimming pool construction — there were 200 swimming pool permits pulled in February 2025, with an average construction value of $68,937. In other words: There’s tons of potential for pool builders in Dallas!

Unfortunately, navigating pool permitting in Dallas can quickly become a headache for builders and contractors unfamiliar with local requirements. 

This guide simplifies each step by clearly outlining the necessary forms, safety regulations, and required documentation. With the right information at hand, you can minimize delays and keep your project moving quickly from start to finish.

Pull pool permits in Dallas faster with PermitFlow. Learn more.

Do you need a permit to build a pool in Dallas?

Yes, the City of Dallas mandates permits for most swimming pool installations. 

According to the city, a permit is required for:

  • In-ground pools
  • Above-ground pools exceeding 24 inches in depth
  • Pools with a capacity over 5,000 gallons
  • Pools involving electrical or plumbing work

Failing to obtain the necessary permits can result in fines and mandatory removal of the unpermitted pool.

Dallas pool building regulations

In Dallas, pool safety regulations are strictly enforced. You’ll have to adhere closely to these guidelines to ensure compliance.

Fencing requirements

Pools in Dallas must be fully enclosed by fencing at least 4 feet high. Fences need to be constructed in a way that prevents children from gaining unsupervised access. Additionally, fences must feature self-closing and self-latching gates.

Pool depth markers

For pools deeper than 5 feet, visible and clearly marked depth indicators are required. These markers must be easy to read from within the pool itself. 

City of Dallas pool permit fees

The Dallas Building Inspection Division’s fee schedule available online doesn’t highlight specific pool permitting costs, but does list other relevant fees you’ll likely have to pay: 

Fee type Amount
Master permit $100.00 minimum
Site plan review Greater of $50 or $0.004 per sq. ft. of pool/paved area
Plan review Greater of $150 or $0.012 per sq. ft. of pool area
Infrastructure inspection Minimum $600 (depending on valuation — likely applicable if digging affects utilities)
Trade permits
  • Electrical Permit: likely required for lighting, pumps
  • Plumbing Permit: for water lines, drains, etc.
  • Each trade permit adds $100 to $125 based on type

How long do pool permits last in Dallas?

In Dallas, building permits are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If construction has not begun within this timeframe, the permit will expire.

If your permit expires but you haven't finished yet, you can request a one-time extension of an additional 180 days — just submit a written request before the original permit expires.

City of Dallas pool permit application process

Planning to install a pool in Dallas, TX? The permit application process — like many municipal procedures — can be long and tedious. Below are the essential steps you'll need to follow to secure your pool permit.

Step 1: Prepare required documents

First, you’ll need to prepare the necessary documents. For the City of Dallas pool permit application, you need:

  • Completed application
  • Two copies of a site plan, including:
    • Property lines
    • Pool location and dimensions
    • Setbacks from property lines
    • Location of pool equipment
    • Fencing and barrier details
    • Easements and utility lines
  • Description of alarm systems or self-closing, self-latching gates

Step 2: Submit the application

Submit the completed application and supporting documents online or in person.

If you want to submit online, you’ll need to set up an online account with the city’s Department of Development Services. Once you’re logged in, follow the prompts to submit your application.

If you prefer to apply in person, visit the City of Dallas Building Inspection Department:

  • 320 E. Jefferson Blvd. Dallas, TX 75203
  • (214) 948-4480
Note: As of May 2025, the City of Dallas has transitioned from its old platform to a new one, called DallasNow

Step 3: Pay permit fees

Pay all associated permit fees either inline, by mail, or in person.

Step 4: Schedule inspections

After permit approval, schedule necessary inspections during various construction phases to ensure compliance with city codes. Inspections can be scheduled by calling the City's automated inspection line at (214) 670-5313.

Mail-in payments Walk-in payments
City of Dallas
Special Collections Division
P.O. Box 139076
Dallas, TX 75313-9076
City of Dallas
City Hall, 2nd Floor
1500 Marilla St., 2DS
Dallas, TX 75201

City of Dallas pool permit resources

Streamline Dallas pool permitting with PermitFlow

Need a City of Dallas pool permit? Your business has more important tasks at hand to be spending hours  researching permitting requirements, preparing paperwork, and chasing down municipal employees for status updates.

Instead, let PermitFlow handle permitting for you.

Builders, contractors, and construction companies trust PermitFlow because we:

  • Know the rules: Our team understands exactly what Dallas requires, so we get it right the first time
  • Keep everything in one spot: See all your permits in a single place
  • Get permits faster: We submit everything correctly from the start, so you can begin your project sooner
Don't let permit challenges slow you down. Contact us today to see how we can help with your projects in Dallas.
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