Above-Ground Pool permit in Glendale, AZ
It depends — some above-ground pool work in Glendale needs a permit, some doesn't.
The adopted 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code covers in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools. An above-ground pool accessory to a one-/two-family dwelling that is less than 24 inches deep, holds 5,000 gallons or less and is installed entirely above ground is exempt from permit; anything deeper, larger, or not entirely above ground requires a permit. Regardless of permit, any pool/container capable of holding water over the barrier trigger depth must comply with the barrier, fence, gate and enclosure requirements of City Code Chapter 32 (Sec. 32-3, 32-4).
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Over 24 in deep |
| Fee | The code prints no dollar amount. Pool/building permit and plan-review fees are set by City Council resolution (IBC Sec. 109.2/109.3 as amended) and published in Appendix B, the Community Development Fee Schedule (City Code Sec. 2-3). |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | ISPSC 2024 as adopted (Sec. 9-25); pool permit exemption per adopted code; barriers/enclosures City Code Sec. 32-3, secondary protection Sec. 32-4 |
| Based on | 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted and amended by the City of Glendale (Sec. 9-16(a)(10), Sec. 9-25); barriers per City Code Chapter 32 |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Glendale building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
Either of you can pull it. When a contractor does the work, it is normally their job.
If you skip it
Any person violating the provisions of the adopted codes shall be guilty of a misdemeanor (City Code Sec. 9-16(b)). Commencing work before a permit is issued triggers a special investigation fee in addition to the permit fee (IBC Sec. 109.5 as amended).
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale | — | Depends | Over 24 in deep |
| Avondale | 17 mi | Depends | From 24 in deep |
| Surprise | 18 mi | Yes | From 24 in deep |
| Tempe | 18 mi | Depends | From 18 in deep |
| Scottsdale | 22 mi | Depends | From 18 |
| Chandler | 26 mi | Depends | From 18 in deep |
Other work in Glendale
Questions people ask
My above-ground pool is right at the limit. Does that count?
The exemption has to fit exactly — if the code says a size or height, being at or under it keeps you exempt, and going a single inch over doesn't. When you're close to the line, measure before you buy materials, and call the department if the number is borderline.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Glendale can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.