Swimming Pool Fence Permits

If you are proposing to install a swimming pool on private property in the Township of Southwold, a pool permit is required. 

Do I need to apply for a permit?

A permit is required when:

• Installing a new swimming pool
• Relocating an existing swimming pool - above ground types
• Replacing an existing swimming pool fence

The Township of Southwold Building Department issues pool permits and inspects all privately owned outdoor swimming pool locations. This includes fences and gates for compliance with the Township's Zoning By-Law and Fence By-Law.

The Township defines a privately owned outdoor swimming pool as a "body of water located outdoors on, above, or below privately owned property contained by artificial means and used or maintained for the purpose of swimming, wading, diving, or bathing and which has a design depth of 0.91 meters or greater (35 inches).

A permit is NOT required when installing or relocating a hot tub or swim spa. However, these must have locking lids, which are kept locked when not in use, and be placed in a location that complies with the Zoning By-Law.

Zoning By-Law requirements

Please review the Township's Zoning By-Law on the requirements regarding the location of private property swimming pools. Below are a list related items in the by-law, from section 3.37:

• Pools are not permitted in a front yard
• Pool must be a minimum distance of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) from a rear and side property lines
• Pool equipment (pumps, filters, heaters, etc.) must be a minimum of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) from a rear and side property line, unless enclosed with an accessory structure
• Pool area must be enclosed, as required by the Fence By-Law
• Pool must be a minimum distance of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) from a septic tank
• Pool must be a minimum distance of 5 meters (16 feet) from distribution pipe of septic system
• Hot tubs, swim spas with locking lids must be a minimum distance of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) from a rear and side property lines. 

Fence By-Law requirements

Please review the Township's Fence By-Law on the requirements related to swimming pools. Below are a list of important items from the by-law pertaining to swimming pools:

• Fence must be a minimum height of 1.2 meters (4 feet)
• Fence may be a maximum of 1.83 meters (6 feet), or 2.13 meters (7 feet) including a decorative construction (ie., lattice)
• No pool wall shall be used in whole or as a portion of a fence
• Fence must be a minimum distance of 1.2 meters (4 feet) from the edge of the pool
• Any/all gates to the pool area must be equipped with a lock. Gate to be kept locked unless responsible adult is present and supervising pool
• Any/all gates to the pool area to be equipped with a self closing and self latching device in addition to locks mentioned above
• Fences and gates are to be erected and inspected prior to placing water in a pool. Temporary enclosures are permitted for 30 days once pool is filled with water

Requirements to apply for a permit

Applying for a building or demolition permit in the Township of Southwold is now even easier! We use the online permit software Cloudpermit. All you need to do is create an account, and you can apply for your permit online. Any drawings and related documents for the permit can be uploaded with your application for review by our Township Building Department.

When submitting the permit application on Cloudpermit, please name your project as the address where the permit is located, and what the project is. Example "12345 Talbot Line - Pool"

Permit fee for a Pool/Fence is $150.00 (HST included). A lot grading deposit, and damage and security deposit of $2,000.00 is also required.

For a complete list of the building department fees, please visit our User Fees.

Permit applications for pools in built-up residential areas must include a lot grading plan designed by an Ontario Land Surveyor (OLS) or qualified Engineer. This plan will represent how the storm water will be managed and maintained on your property. A Final Lot Grading Certificate is required once the work is completed, in order to close out the permit, and have the deposit refunded. The certificate is the Township's assurance that the lot grading, after the installation of the pool, concrete pads, etc., still conforms to the lot grading plan designed as a part of the site. It also is to assure that neighbouring properties will not be negatively impacted by your rear yard development. This plan is drawn to scale and should include the proposed locations of pool, concrete pads/patios and sheds, along with their required setbacks.

A detailed drawing showing the location of the fence and any gates, along with a description of the fence type and proposed height, is required.

Additional information

It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that construction does not negatively affect the drainage, swales, easements or utilities such as communications cables, gas, or water services located on the property. No part of any pool or pool deck shall be located on an easement. 

Ontario OneCall - to request a locate or check on the status of one, call 1-800-400-2255 or visit their website: www.ontarioonecall.ca

Corey Pemberton                                                                               Sandy Lale
Director of Building and Community Services                                 Deputy Chief Building Official

35663 Fingal Line, Fingal, Ontario, N0L 1K0
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Phone: 519-769-2010            Fax: 519-769-2837
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