Pool permits in unincorporated St. Louis County
In unincorporated St. Louis County, the county's Department of Transportation and Public Works (Code Enforcement) handles zoning review, building plan review, the pool permit and inspections. It also enforces these codes in cities that contract with it for building services. Those cities do their own zoning approval first.
- Permit from
- St. Louis County
- Permit fee
- County fee table by project cost, plus $47 ($171 min.)
- Pool fence
- 48 in. minimum
Permits an inground pool needs in Unincorporated St. Louis County
- Residential in-ground swimming pool building permit from St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Fee covers plan review and inspections. Apply through the county Permitting Portal (Accela) at 41 S. Central Ave., 6th floor, Clayton. In a contract city, the city's zoning approval comes before the county issues the permit (SLCRO 1118.051).
- Electrical permit from St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Pool electrical work falls under the county Electrical Code (2014 NEC, Ch. 1102). The county lists a residential electrical assistant chief for unincorporated integrated permits at 314-615-7110.
- Floodplain development permit from St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works. Required in a mapped floodplain. Floodplain compliance review costs $50.
Pool fence and barrier rules in Unincorporated St. Louis County
- Fence height: At least 48 inches above grade for residential pools, measured on the side facing away from the pool. That height must hold for 3 feet outward from the barrier (county amendment to ISPSC 305.2.1).
- 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 (2015 ISPSC 305.3, not amended by the county).
- 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 or another approved method, such as self-closing, self-latching doors (2015 ISPSC 305.4, not amended by the county).
- Also required: The gap under the barrier may be at most 2 inches over grass or gravel and 4 inches over a solid surface. For residential pools, the pool side of the barrier must be at least 20 inches from the water's edge (county amendments to 305.2.1 and 305.2.10).
Pool permit fees in Unincorporated St. Louis County
Residential pools are priced from Table 1100.060, based on the total estimated construction cost, plus a $47 permit processing fee. Plan review and inspections are included. The minimum total is $171 when plan review and two or more inspections are needed. Each additional or extra inspection costs $47. Sample table values: up to $50,000 = $284; up to $60,000 = $325; up to $80,000 = $407; up to $100,000 = $500 (all before the $47 processing fee). Source: SLCRO 1100.060 as amended by Ord. 29445 (11-5-2025). The Director may adjust processing fees each year.
Other things to know before you dig
- In a contract city, the municipality must approve zoning before the county issues the building permit. The county publishes a Municipal Contract Matrix showing which cities use county code services.
- Residential pools may discharge backwash or drain water to storm sewers, or by other means the code official approves (county amendment to ISPSC 320.1).
- Deck surfaces must slope to drain at the minimum rates in county Table 306.5, for example 1/8 inch per foot for textured concrete.
- Hose bibbs must be provided to rinse the entire deck.
- Floodplain compliance review costs $50 when the property is in a floodplain.
Codes in use
2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with county amendments (SLCRO Ch. 1118, Ord. 27654, 12-18-2019). Also the 2015 IRC (Ch. 1116), 2015 IBC (Ch. 1115), 2014 NEC (Ch. 1102) and 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (Ch. 1103).
Who to contact
-
St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works, Code Enforcement (Permit Processing)
Residential pool building permit, zoning review (unincorporated), plan review, inspections, 314-615-5184
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.
- Chapter 1118 Swimming Pool and Spa Code (Municode (St. Louis County Code of Ordinances))
- Chapter 1100 Code Enforcement Fee Schedules (Municode (St. Louis County Code of Ordinances))
- Codes and Ordinances (St. Louis County)
- Residential Building (St. Louis County)
- 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, Chapter 3 (Section 305 Barriers) (ICC)
Get a pool quote in Unincorporated St. Louis County
A local builder handles the permit, inspections and barrier details as part of the job.