Pool permits in Wildwood, MO
The City of Wildwood Planning Department issues a Zoning Authorization that checks the pool's location against setbacks. St. Louis County then issues the building permit and does plan review and inspections under contract with the city.
- Permit from
- St. Louis County, after city zoning approval
- Permit fee
- County fee table by project cost, plus $47
- Pool fence
- 48 in. minimum
Permits an inground pool needs in Wildwood
- Zoning Authorization from City of Wildwood. Submit 5 copies of a plot plan signed and sealed by a registered land surveyor or engineer, plus 5 sets of plans. It is usually ready in 3-5 business days, after which you pick up 4 stamped plan sets for the county.
- Swimming pool building permit from St. Louis County. Submit the 4 city-stamped plan sets to the county. The county may require items beyond the city's list.
- Separate permit for retaining walls from City of Wildwood / St. Louis County. If the project includes both a pool and retaining walls, each needs its own permit. Walls over 3 feet, or load-bearing walls of any height, need a building permit.
Pool fence and barrier rules in Wildwood
- Fence height: At least 48 inches above grade for residential pools, measured on the side away from the pool, and maintained for 3 feet horizontally outside the barrier (SLCRO Ch. 1118, amended ISPSC 305.2.1)
- Gates: Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and accept a locking device. If the latch release is less than 54 inches from grade, it must be 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 (ISPSC 2015 305.3).
- Doors and windows from the house: Where a house wall forms part of the barrier and doors or windows open directly to the pool, you need one of these: UL 2017 water-hazard entrance alarms on doors and on operable windows with sills under 48 inches, an ASTM F1346 safety cover, or another approved method such as self-closing, self-latching doors (ISPSC 2015 305.4).
- Also required: The barrier can be no more than 2 inches above grass or gravel and no more than 4 inches above concrete. Openings must not pass a 4-inch sphere. The pool side of a residential barrier must be at least 20 inches from the water's edge. Under Wildwood zoning, chain-link fences are allowed only if vinyl-coated (or similar), and fences must also meet the Chapter 500 pool rules.
Pool permit fees in Wildwood
St. Louis County charges by estimated construction cost (SLCRO Table 1100.060, which covers residential swimming pools), plus a $47 permit processing fee. Examples from the table: $284 up to $50,000, $366 up to $70,000, $500 up to $100,000, $704 up to $150,000. Each additional inspection is $47. No Wildwood Zoning Authorization fee was found.
How far a pool must be from property lines
The pool and its mechanical equipment (pump, heater, etc.) must meet the minimum structure setbacks of the property's zoning district, and so must the concrete decking of an in-ground pool. Pool equipment in a side yard must be screened against noise and visual impact on neighbors. No structure may sit in the minimum setback area.
Other things to know before you dig
- The plot plan must show all easements as well as existing and proposed improvements.
- Wildwood is largely non-urban with large lots, so check your district's setbacks and any recorded natural-resource protection areas on the lot before design. The city publishes a separate guide on these areas.
- Grading or excavation in Wildwood may need a separate city grading permit, with an escrow released after a city inspection.
Codes in use
St. Louis County Building Code (SLCRO Ch. 1115) and Swimming Pool and Spa Code (SLCRO Ch. 1118, the 2015 ISPSC with county amendments), adopted by Wildwood City Code Section 500.020.
Who to contact
-
City of Wildwood Planning Department (Zoning Technician)
Zoning Authorization (setback and zoning review), 636-458-0440
-
St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works, Code Enforcement
Building permit, plan review, inspections (under contract with the city), 314-615-2559
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 Permits (City of Wildwood)
- Zoning Authorization Guidelines: Swimming Pools and Retaining Walls (PDF) (City of Wildwood)
- Inspections (City of Wildwood)
- Section 500.020 Adoption of Building Code (eCode360 (City of Wildwood Code))
- Section 415.110 R-1 One Acre Residence District Regulations (fence provisions) (eCode360 (City of Wildwood Code))
- SLCRO Chapter 1118 Swimming Pool and Spa Code (Municode (St. Louis County Revised Ordinances))
- SLCRO Chapter 1100, Section 1100.060 Residential Construction Permit Fees (Municode (St. Louis County Revised Ordinances))
- 2015 ISPSC Chapter 3 General Compliance (Sections 305.1-305.4) (ICC)
Get a pool quote in Wildwood
A local builder handles the permit, inspections and barrier details as part of the job. See what a pool costs in Wildwood.