Engineering Division
Installing an In-ground or Above-Ground Pool

When you apply for a Pool Permit, the Zoning Division gives the Engineering Division copies of the survey and/or grading plan and other documents that you include with the Pool Permit Package.   This allows the Engineering Division to review your application without requiring a separate Grading and Clearing Permit.  While the Engineering Division does not issue the Pool Permit, it does have grading, retaining wall, and tree removal requirements (see above) that must be met before your application can be approved.  To facilitate approval by the the Engineering Division, be sure to note on your survey or grading plan any grading changes as well as the location of any retaining walls you intend to construct and trees you intend to remove.  If you are installing a retaining wall over 30" in height, the wall design must be included and must be certified by a licensed Professional Engineer.

For in-ground pools, a grading plan certified by a licensed Professional Engineer must be submitted.  The grading plan should show the existing lot grading, elevations and runoff patterns; the proposed pool and patio elevations and runoff patterns; and the limit of grading as well as changes in contours.  Above ground pools typically require much less soil disturbance and grading and therefore for most installations, a survey may be supplied in place of a grading plan.  If it is in the Engineering Division's opinion that the grading of a lot will be altered considerably by installing an above-ground pool, then the Engineering Division can require that a grading plan certified by a licensed Professional Engineer be submitted as in the case of in-ground pools.  Note: Above-ground pools that require retaining walls for construction are more likely to require a grading plan for approval.

The grading plan or survey must show all existing structures and the proposed pool to scale.  The pool must be shown in the location where it will be built, and offsets from property lines and existing structures should be included.  Any and all easement lines, wetlands and/or buffer lines, and other outstanding features (such as storm drains, etc.) should be shown.  Any trees you propose to remove that are greater than 9" in diameter (measured one foot above the ground) should be shown.  The proposed temporary silt fence and construction entrance should also be shown. If you are installing a retaining wall, it should be drawn to scale and its height noted.  The Engineering Division will let you know if other information is required.

If your pool is approved by Engineering, your signature or the signature of your Pool Company’s construction manager will be required on the approval form. This signature demonstrates that you have been made aware of all Engineering Department requirements for the Final Certificate of Approval that pertain to your pool. The pool permit will not be forwarded to the building department without this signature. For certain above ground pool installations, the signature requirement may be waived.