Swimming Pool permit in Richardson, TX
Yes — you need a permit for swimming pool work in Richardson.
prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep are exempt
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep are exempt |
| Fee | Set by the Master Fee Schedule |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | R105.1; R105.2 |
| Based on | IRC 2021 as amended; ISPSC 2021 |
Most building codes exempt a prefab pool under 24 inches deep. Richardson is stricter — a permit applies at any depth.
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Richardson 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
Richardson'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richardson | — | Yes | prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep are exempt |
| Plano | 6 mi | Depends | From 24 in deep |
| Allen | 10 mi | Yes | From 24 in deep |
| McKinney | 16 mi | Depends | From 24 in deep |
| Mesquite | 16 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Lewisville | 16 mi | Yes | Installing an in-ground or above-ground pool or spa needs… |
Other work in Richardson
Questions people ask
How much does a swimming pool permit cost in Richardson?
Set by the Master Fee Schedule. Valuation-based fees mean the number depends on what the job is worth, so the department quotes it when you apply.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Richardson 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.