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Call Now | 519-652-7665 | Custom LeisureScapes: London & Stratford Ontario’s pool, hot tub, and swim spa experts.
You have picked out the perfect pool shape, imagined the landscaping, and can almost feel the summer sun. But before the heavy machinery rolls into your backyard, there is one crucial administrative hurdle to clear: the paperwork. If you are a homeowner in London or Stratford, you might be wondering exactly what the city requires before you can start digging or assembling.
At Custom LeisureScapes, we have navigated local municipal bylaws countless times. While city codes can seem dense, understanding the basics ensures your project stays on schedule and avoids costly fines. Here is your definitive guide to pool permits in our local area.
In nearly all Ontario municipalities, the permit you are actually applying for is a Pool Enclosure Permit. The city’s primary concern is safety and preventing unauthorized access to deep water.
The Depth Rule: Generally, if your pool—whether it is in-ground, onground, or above-ground—is capable of holding water deeper than 24 inches (60 cm), you absolutely need a permit before installation begins.
Above-Ground Exceptions: Do not assume that skipping the excavation means skipping the permit. Above-ground pools still require an enclosure permit. However, the walls of the pool itself can sometimes count as part of the barrier, provided you have a lockable, removable ladder or gated deck.
The City of London has specific bylaws to ensure backyard safety and proper water drainage. When applying for your permit here, expect to provide a detailed site plan.
Setbacks: Your site plan must show exactly how close the water’s edge and the pool equipment (pumps, heaters) will be to your property lines. London requires specific setback distances to protect neighboring properties and right-of-ways.
Fence Height: Pool enclosures in London typically need to be at least 1.5 meters (roughly 5 feet) high, with self-closing and self-latching gates.
Lot Grading: You may need to demonstrate that the installation of your pool will not negatively alter the drainage patterns of your yard and flood your neighbor’s garden.
Stratford follows very similar safety principles, emphasizing secure barriers and smart site planning.
Detailed Drawings: The City of Stratford will require a plot plan showing the proposed pool location, the type of fence to be constructed (or existing fence details), and the location of all gates.
Building Permits for Decks: If you are building an elaborate raised deck around your new above-ground or onground pool, be aware that you will likely need a standard Building Permit for the deck structure in addition to the Pool Enclosure Permit.
Permit fees vary by municipality and project scope, but they are a non-negotiable part of your pool budget. The good news is that you don’t have to pay for your entire backyard transformation out of pocket all at once.
By utilizing our flexible financing options, you can easily roll the costs of the pool, safety fencing, and installation into one predictable monthly or bi-weekly payment. This allows you to meet all city safety codes beautifully without draining your savings.
Dealing with municipal zoning and bylaws can be a headache, but you do not have to figure it out alone. Our expert team is here to guide you on exactly what paperwork is required for your specific property so you can focus on picking out your pool floats.
