Pool permits in Eureka, MO
The City of Eureka Building Department issues residential pool permits and does inspections. Since the city now issues residential electrical permits too, St. Louis County is not involved. You apply online through the city's iWorq portal.
- Permit from
- City of Eureka
- Permit fee
- $50 up to $25,000, + $3 per $1,000 above
- Pool fence
- 48 in. minimum
Permits an inground pool needs in Eureka
- Swimming pool building permit from City of Eureka. Swimming pools are listed as needing a building permit. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Apply online at eureka.portal.iworq.net.
- Electrical permit from City of Eureka. The city now issues residential electrical permits. A St. Louis County-licensed electrician must apply.
- Fence permit from City of Eureka. The city requires a permit for fences.
Pool fence and barrier rules in Eureka
- Fence height: At least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side facing away from the pool (2018 ISPSC 305.2.1, not amended by Eureka).
- Gates: Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and take a locking device. A latch release under 54 inches from grade goes on the pool side, at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, with no openings over 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release. Utility gates must stay locked (2018 ISPSC 305.3).
- Doors and windows from the house: Where the house wall is part of the barrier, doors and windows with sills under 48 inches that open directly onto the pool need a listed UL 2017 entrance alarm. Alternatives are an ASTM F1346 safety cover on the pool or another approved method, such as self-closing, self-latching doors (2018 ISPSC 305.4).
- Also required: Openings may not pass a 4-inch sphere. The gap under the barrier may be at most 2 inches over grass or gravel and 4 inches over concrete. The barrier must be at least 20 inches from the water's edge (2018 ISPSC 305.2).
Pool permit fees in Eureka
Building permit fee is based on construction value: $50 covers $500 to $25,000, plus $3 for each additional $1,000 or fraction of $1,000 (Sec. 5-3.15). The Building Commissioner sets the value from your estimate, ICC valuation tables adjusted for St. Louis, similar projects, or a component estimate. Starting work without a permit costs double the permit fee on top of the required fees. A credit card fee is added for online payment.
How far a pool must be from property lines
The Building Commissioner may reduce the rear-yard setback in a residential subdivision to allow a pool, as long as the pool is at least 5 feet from the rear and side property lines (Sec. 5-3.2). In the JCPR-1 district, a pool that needs a permit must sit at least 15 feet from the rear line and meet the side-yard setback, measured from the outside pool wall (Sec. 23-38.4). The general rear-setback rule for pools in Sec. 23-165 was repealed in 2024 (Ord. 2777).
Other things to know before you dig
- Check HOA rules. The city notes that some subdivisions regulate pools and fences.
- Inspection windows: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:00-11:30 am, Tue/Thu 12:30-3:00 pm. Schedule through iWorq or the inspection hotline, 636-938-5233 ext. 180. You need your permit number.
- Contractors must hold a Eureka business license to appear on the city's contractor list.
Codes in use
2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with city amendments (Sec. 5-3.5.1; amendments rev. 2-19-2019), plus the 2018 IRC and 2018 IBC as amended by the city. The city's ISPSC amendments only change permit expiration and the double-fee penalty. They do not touch the barrier rules.
Who to contact
-
City of Eureka Building Department
Building permit, plan review, inspections, residential electrical permits, 636-938-5233
Sources
Checked against these official sources in October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the permit office before you sign a contract or break ground.
- Building Department (City of Eureka)
- Residential Permits (City of Eureka)
- City of Eureka Amendments to the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (rev. 2-19-2019) (City of Eureka)
- Construction & Zoning (City of Eureka)
- Section 5-3.15 Permit Fees (eCode360 (City of Eureka Code))
- Section 5-3.2 Variations and Modifications (eCode360 (City of Eureka Code))
- Section 23-165 Accessory Structures (eCode360 (City of Eureka Code))
- Section 23-38.4 Accessory Uses and Structures (JCPR-1 district) (eCode360 (City of Eureka Code))
- 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, Chapter 3 (Section 305 Barriers) (ICC)
Get a pool quote in Eureka
A local builder handles the permit, inspections and barrier details as part of the job. See what a pool costs in Eureka.