Step 1: Review


When is a permit requir​ed?

Typically, any hot tub, pool, or similar project requires a permit if it could contain a maximum amount of water that exceeds 0.6m (2’-0”).

In most situations, your project will only require a building safety approval (building permit) and an electrical permit. If your design or location does not meet land use bylaw specifications you will also require planning approval (development permit).

Fees

​Planning approval - Development permit (prior to ​construction) ​Permit fee ​Advertising fee ​Development completion inspection ​Total
Proposed land use bylaw relaxation for a home renovation​ ​$384 ​$32 ​$163 ​​$579

See the planning applications fee schedule​ for a complete list of planning application fees.

Building safety approval - Building permit ​Permit fee ​Safety codes council fee (4%) ​Total
New hot tub $202 ​$8.08​ ​​$210.08​​
​New pool ​$202 ​​$8.08​ $210.08​​​
​New pond ​$202 ​​$8.08​ ​$210.08​​
​Renovation to an existing hot tub, pool, or pond ​$202 ​​$8.08​ ​$210.08​​​

See the building permit fee schedule for a complete list of planning application fees.

How long will it take to get a permit?

To avoid delays, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information listed on the pool, hot tub and pond permit checklist.

Permit Timeline

Planning approval (Development permit)

10 - 12 weeks

Building safety approval (Building permit)

Approx. 7 days
Building safety approval - Building permit Timeline
  • New garage
  • New carport, shed, greenhouse, or pergola
  • Renovation to an existing garage, shed, greenhouse, or pergola
7 days*

When does my permit expire?

You will receive a permit expiry reminder in the mail. If you need more time, you can extend your permit. Review the extend or reinstate your permit section.

Permit type Expiry (from date of issuance)
Building permit 180 days
Contractor trade permit 330 days
Homeowner permit 330 days

When does my permit expire?

You will receive a permit expiry reminder in the mail. If you need more time, you can extend your permit. Review the extend or reinstate your permit section.

Permit type Expiry (from date of issuance)
Building permit 180 days
Contractor trade permit 330 days
Homeowner permit 330 days

Step 2: Prepare


Use the information below to prepare your application. Follow the rules in the location, design and construction sections to help make sure your application meets the City's requirements.

Location

Hot tubs and swimming pools

Hot tubs and swimming pools are required to be 1.2 m from side and rear property lines and may not be located in the actual front setback without a development permit.

There can be no wires over a hot tub, unless it is covered by an overhead structure. Any existing overhead wiring is required to be clear of any hot tub or swimming pool 5.0 m vertically and 5.0 m horizontally.

hot tub sample drawing

 

Hot tubs on a deck/patio

If a hot tub is supported by a structure that elevates the floor of the hot tub above grade, such as a deck or patio, an engineer’s stamp is required, regardless of the height of the structure.

Hot tubs in a gazebo

If you’re putting your hot tub in a gazebo that is more than 10 m2, or if the height of the gazebo floor is more than 0.6 m above ground level, the gazebo must have its own approved building permit.

If you plan to enclose a hot tub in a covered structure, such as a gazebo, accessory residential building rules will apply. Any covered structure over 10 m2 in floor area will require a building permit. Any covered structure with a finished floor 0.6 m or more above grade will require an approved development permit.

Construction (Building code and bylaw information)

Building code requirements for swimming pools and hot tubs

As per Alberta Building Code, the water depth of a hot tub should not exceed 1.2 m measured from the hot tub floor to the water surface. The depth of water to a seat or bench in a whirlpool must not exceed 0.6 m.

Please review locking covers and fence and gate requirements for pool and hot tub building code standards. Please note that all permanently installed hot tubs and swimming pools must be wired by a qualified electrical contractor.

Please contact the Technical Assistance Centre for code-related inquiries about:

  • Building
  • Plumbing
  • Gas
  • Electrical
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
  • Construction methods
  • Building safety
  • Fire regulations

For all other inquiries (i.e. Land Use Bylaw), please contact our Planning Services Centre.

Locking covers for hot tubs

Division B 7.2.2.1 of the 2014 Alberta Building Code

A fence and gate are not required for a single family dwelling, outdoor hot tub provided:

  1. The hot tub includes a cover that:
    • has been designed and constructed in conformance with ASTM F 1346, “Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs,” and
    • is provided with lockable devices to prevent access to the water by unauthorized persons.

Fence and gate requirements

Division B 7.2.2.1 of the 2014 Alberta Building Code

  1. The entire area of an outdoor swimming pool must be protected by a fence, building wall or enclosure to prevent unauthorized access, and its height above grade must be a minimum of:
    • 1.8 m for a private swimming pool; and
    • 2.4 m for all other swimming pools

      A fence is not required for a swimming pool / hot tub if it:
    • is provided with a cover that has been designed and constructed in conformance with ASTM F 1346, “Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs,” and
    • is provided with lockable devices to prevent access to the water by unauthorized persons.
  2. Access through a fence shall be protected by a gate that is:
    • the same height as the fence;
    • equipped with a self-closing device;
    • equipped with a self-latching device installed at least 1.5 m above grade inside the gate; and
    • lockable.
  3. The fence and gate shall be constructed:
    • so that all horizontal and diagonal support boards face the swimming pool side so the fence cannot be easily climbed, and
    • to prevent objects greater than 100 mm from passing through the fence boards.
  4. Barbed wire cannot be used on or as a fence or gate.
  5. Electric fencing and/or gates are not permitted.
  6. A fence is not required around any portion of an above-ground outdoor private swimming pool if the top of the pool’s outside wall is at least 1.8 m above grade and is constructed so that the only access point is through a gate.

Step 3: Apply


To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account.

We’re currently experiencing higher than seasonal application volumes, we apologize for delays. To check the status of your permit, go to vista.calgary.ca and enter in your Job Access Code (JAC) number

Apply in person

Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre.

Complete application requirement

An application for a permit may be refused if, within ninety (90) days from the date of receipt, adequate information and documentation is not supplied as requested by the Safety Codes Officer. Should a permit be considered for refusal the applicant will be given notification in writing and 30 days to resubmit the missing information. For more information, please review Building Advisory A19-002 Building Permit Complete Application

Step 4: Track


After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).

To track your application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.

If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre

Step 5: Changes


Step 6: Inspect


Visit building inspections for information on how to book an inspection, cancel or reschedule, permit expiry and the applicable requirements for each inspection type.

Building permit inspections you will need

Hot tubs, pools and ponds

Final inspection requirements:

Hot tubs:

Pools:

Book an inspection

Inspections occur Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The City continues to do our best to accommodate booking requests, however some dates may be unavailable due to inspection capacity. Inspections can continue to be booked up to 10 business days in advance.

You will receive a confirmation e-mail on the morning of your inspection that states your inspection window (8 a.m. to noon or noon to 4 p.m.). If you have not received an email by 8:30 a.m. on inspection day, please call 311.

Planning Services Centre

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. (MT)

Live chat:
calgary.ca/livechat

Call:
403-268-5311

In person: 
Planning Services Centre,
3rd floor, Municipal building 
800 Macleod Trail SE

Book an eAppointment for in person services at appointment.calgary.ca

Click before you dig

Always contact Utility Safety Partners before you dig. Submit a locate request online or call 1-800-242-3447 for more information.


This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically. ​