Pool permits in Kirkwood, MO
Kirkwood runs its own Building Division. The Building Commissioner issues building and fence permits and enforces the building, pool and fence codes, and the city's zoning code sets where a pool can go. Applications go through the Kirkwood Public Portal.
- Permit from
- City of Kirkwood
- Permit fee
- Not published online; fence permit $48
- Pool fence
- 48 in. minimum
Permits an inground pool needs in Kirkwood
- Building permit for the pool from City of Kirkwood Building Division. Kirkwood requires permits and inspections for all new construction. Contractors must hold a City of Kirkwood contractor business license.
- Fence permit from City of Kirkwood Building Division. A permit is required to build or rebuild any fence, so a new pool fence needs one. The fee is $48. Upload the fence height, type, construction and material, plus a site plan showing property lines, the street, curb or sidewalk, and structures.
Pool fence and barrier rules in Kirkwood
- Fence height: At least 4 feet high (city fence page). The fence code requires the barrier to follow the city's Property Maintenance Code, and the 2021 IPMC 303.2 requires at least 48 inches, measured on the side away from the pool, for pools deeper than 24 inches.
- Gates: Self-closing and self-latching. Under IPMC 303.2, a latch less than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate must have its release on the pool side, and the gate must positively close and latch when released from 6 inches open.
- Also required: Fences may be no taller than 6 feet (posts up to 6 inches more). A fence in front of the house may be at most 4 feet tall and must be at least one-third open. Chain link or wire mesh is not allowed between the street and the house. Fences must be at least 12 feet from the curb or street edge, 1 foot from a public sidewalk, and out of the right-of-way.
Pool permit fees in Kirkwood
Building permit fees follow the city's Building and Construction Fee Schedule, which is kept on file with the city and not published in the code (Sec. 5-211). Fence permit: $48.
How far a pool must be from property lines
In-ground pools follow the accessory-structure setbacks (Zoning Code Sec. 25-45(w)). The city's 2023 summary of single-family zoning rules gives these as at least 10 feet from the house and 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, not on a utility easement, and in line with or behind the front of the house. In-ground pools are exempt from the larger setback for accessory structures with a wall 25 feet or longer. Patios and decks around a pool must be at least 2 feet from all lot lines. Above-ground pools must meet the setbacks of the house itself.
Other things to know before you dig
- Swimming pools are exempt from Architectural Review Board review (Sec. 25-21).
- A pool may be used only by the occupants and guests of the property (Sec. 25-45(w)).
- Pools that can't meet setbacks need a variance from the Board of Adjustment, which has heard requests for in-ground pools placed in a front yard or closer to the house than allowed.
- Accessory structures together have a lot-coverage cap of 7% of the lot or 1,500 sq ft, whichever is less (2023 city zoning summary). The summary's notes treat in-ground pools as accessory structures, but it does not say outright whether pool area counts toward the cap.
Codes in use
2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with local modifications (Sec. 5-6b), 2021 IRC (Sec. 5-2) and 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (Sec. 5-22), all adopted December 2025. The local modifications are a separate publication on file with the City Clerk and are not online.
Who to contact
-
City of Kirkwood Building Division (Building Commissioner)
Building permit, fence permit, inspections, code enforcement, 314-822-5823
-
Zoning questions; Board of Adjustment variances, 314-822-5815
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.
- Fence Permits (City of Kirkwood)
- Building, Remodeling, and Repair (City of Kirkwood)
- ARB Supplemental Materials 2023 (Summary of Single-Family Zoning Regulations) (City of Kirkwood)
- Kirkwood Code search: Sec. 5-6b Swimming Pool and Spa Code; Sec. 5-211 fees (eCode360 (City of Kirkwood Code))
- Chapter 5, Article I (Sec. 5-2 Building Code; Sec. 5-6b) (eCode360 (City of Kirkwood Code))
- Chapter 5, Article IV Fences (Sec. 5-38, 5-39) (eCode360 (City of Kirkwood Code))
- Sec. 25-45 Standards for specific accessory uses and structures (eCode360 (City of Kirkwood Code))
- Sec. 25-21 Architectural review (eCode360 (City of Kirkwood Code))
- 2021 IPMC Chapter 3, Section 303.2 Enclosures (ICC)
Get a pool quote in Kirkwood
A local builder handles the permit, inspections and barrier details as part of the job. See what a pool costs in Kirkwood.