Get ready

Required documents

1.  Pool plan showing:
   • Pool dimensions (length, width, depth).
   • Cross section of pool showing material (fiberglass, concrete, vinyl) and reinforcement material with thickness and depth shown.
   • Sewer cleanout location. Discharge into site stormwater drainage system is prohibited.
   • How suction inlet system will be protected by approved antivortex covers and with a back-up system of vacuum relief.
   • Plumbing riser detail.
   • Cross connection protection details (pits, valves, etc.).
   • If indoor pool, floor plan showing location of pool.
2. Electric plans showing:
   • Location of electric service.
   • Location of pump and filtration service. Pump must be at least 10 feet from the pool.
   • Electric bonding and grounding information showing wire sizes. All metal parts must be grounded.
   • Electric riser diagram.
3. Electric load data form (PDF)

Required licenses

1. Business licenses are required for all design professionals, contractors and subcontractors before a building permit can be issued.
   •  Business license webpage
2. The contractor must hold the appropriate State of South Carolina license for the specified scope of work.
   • Contractor licenses webpage

Have utility lines marked

Request that all utility providers come mark the location of utilities at least 3 full business days before you dig. This is required by state law and is a free service.

• SC811 website

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above.
   •  Click on “New Applications"
   • Click on “Permit Applications”
   • Click on “Commercial”
   • Click on “Swimming Pool" and follow the prompts from there
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 10 business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
3. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.
4. At this time, we will email you an invoice for the development fees, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms.

Separate submittals

If any of these pertain to your project, submit these applications separately through the "Apply Online" button above. We will review and permit each of them on its own.

1. Fence application or retaining wall application for any fences or retaining walls that will be installed, along with gate or door detail. If a fence exists already, provide details of the existing fence and gate.
   • Fences around pools, hot tubs, and spas have special safety requirements (PDF).
2. Certificate of Appropriateness if located within one of the City's Historic Overlay Districts
3. Civil engineering plans (PDF) if the work is not being done in conjunction with a grading permit for the entire site. 
4. Building plans, including floorplans and elevations, for clubhouse or other structure serving the pool
   • New non-residential buildings webpage
   • Show restrooms, lavatories and drinking fountains per federal ADA standards to serve the occupant load of the pool.

After you have a permit

1. Mark all property lines in the area near the swimming pool. 
   • Webpage with guidance about how to locate property lines 
2. Install the swimming pool.
3. Request a final inspection through the "Apply Online" button.

Additional information

Guidelines for proper pool drainage (PDF)