Pool permits in St. Charles, MO
The City of St. Charles Building Division (Community Development) issues the permit for an in-ground pool and does the inspections. The city's own zoning code sets where the pool can go, and pool barriers follow the 2021 ISPSC, which the city adopted with one local change.
- Permit from
- City of St. Charles
- Permit fee
- 0.45% of cost ($50 min.) + plan review
- Pool fence
- 48 in. minimum
Permits an inground pool needs in St. Charles
- Building permit (in-ground or above-ground pool or hot tub) from City of St. Charles Building Division. Apply through the city's online permit portal (Tyler EnerGov) or on the paper Building Permit Application. The Building Division page lists installing an in-ground or above-ground pool or hot tub as work that generally needs a permit.
- Fence permit from City of St. Charles (Land Use / Planning). The city fee schedule lists a $25.00 fence permit.
- Floodplain Development Permit from City of St. Charles. Only if the property is in the floodplain, per the Building Division page.
Pool fence and barrier rules in St. Charles
- Fence height: At least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side facing away from the pool (2021 ISPSC 305.2.1, adopted by the city)
- Gates: Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and be able to take a lock. For residential pools, a latch release reachable from outside must be at least 54 inches above the ground (2021 ISPSC 305.3, 305.3.3).
- Doors and windows from the house: City amendment to ISPSC 305.4(1): if the house wall is part of the barrier, doors, gates, and bedroom egress windows with a sill lower than 48 inches above the floor must have an audible alarm listed to UL 2017. The unamended ISPSC 305.4 also allows a listed ASTM F1346 safety cover or another approved means, such as self-closing, self-latching doors.
- Also required: 2021 ISPSC: no more than 2 inches between grade and the bottom of the barrier over grass or gravel (4 inches over concrete); openings must not pass a 4-inch sphere; solid barriers must not have handholds or footholds.
Pool permit fees in St. Charles
Set by City Code Section 150.030. A residential integrated permit costs the greater of $50.00 or estimated construction cost x the permit fee multiplier, which Section 500.280 sets at 0.0045. Plan examination costs the greater of $75.00 or estimated construction cost x 0.002 (expedited review: x 0.004). A fence permit is $25.00. The schedule has no pool-specific line, so confirm with the city which permit category applies.
How far a pool must be from property lines
City Code Section 400.620(C): in residential zoning districts, a pool may not be built in any required yard except the required rear yard, and must be at least 6 feet from a side or rear property line. The pool deck must be at least 5 feet from an adjoining lot line. Separate rules apply to double-frontage lots.
Other things to know before you dig
- Properties in the Extended Historic District may need Landmarks Board approval (Building Division page).
- Properties in the floodplain may need a Floodplain Development Permit.
- The city permit fee schedule also lists excavation and grading permits (minimum $75.00 for 50 to 1,000 cubic yards). Ask whether pool excavation triggers one.
- The city can fill a pool from a fire hydrant for a per-pool fee plus a charge per 1,000 gallons (City Code Section 700.170), if scheduling allows.
Codes in use
2021 ISPSC (City Code Sections 500.276-500.277, with local amendments); 2021 IRC; 2020 NEC; 2015 IECC
Who to contact
-
City of St. Charles Community Development, Building Division
Building permit, plan review, inspections, 636-949-3222
-
City of St. Charles Planning and Zoning
Zoning setbacks, fence permits, floodplain and historic district questions
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 Division (City of St. Charles, MO)
- Adopted Building Codes (City of St. Charles, MO)
- Chapter 500, Article XI: Swimming Pool and Spa Code (Sections 500.276-500.277) (eCode360 (City of St. Charles, MO Code))
- Section 400.620 Setback Requirements Generally (eCode360 (City of St. Charles, MO Code))
- Section 150.030 Schedule of Fees, Fines, Costs and Deposits (eCode360 (City of St. Charles, MO Code))
- Section 500.280 Fees (permit fee multiplier) (eCode360 (City of St. Charles, MO Code))
- 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, Chapter 3 (Section 305 Barriers) (ICC)
Get a pool quote in St. Charles
A local builder handles the permit, inspections and barrier details as part of the job. See what a pool costs in St. Charles.