Above-Ground Pool permit in Smyrna, TN
It depends — some above-ground pool work in Smyrna needs a permit, some doesn't.
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep are exempt; 24 inches deep or more requires a permit
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | From 24 in deep |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | IRC 2024 R105.2 (prefabricated swimming pools); pool barrier fence requires permit per § 12-602(4)(b) |
| Based on | IRC 2024 as amended (Ord. No. 26-13, Town of Smyrna, TN) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Smyrna 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.
If you skip it
Smyrna's code doesn't set a specific fine for this work. In practice the department can issue a stop-work order, and unpermitted work tends to surface during a sale, when the buyer's inspector or the title company asks for it.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smyrna | — | Depends | From 24 in deep |
| La Vergne | 4 mi | Depends | From 24 in deep |
| Nolensville | 8 mi | Depends | From 24 in deep |
| Murfreesboro | 10 mi | Yes | From 24 in deep |
| Brentwood | 14 mi | Depends | From 24 in deep |
| Mount Juliet | 16 mi | Depends | From 24 in deep |
Other work in Smyrna
- Fence Depends
- Deck Depends
- Shed Depends
- Swimming Pool Depends
- Roof Replacement Depends
- Water Heater Yes
- HVAC Replacement Yes
- Electrical Panel Yes
- Demolition Yes
- Driveway Depends
- Tree Removal —
- Sign —
- Short-Term Rental —
- ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Yes
- Garage Depends
- Basement Yes
- Above-Ground Pool Depends
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?
Smyrna 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.