Building Services

We have tried our best to provide all the information necessary on this page to help you understand the process for permitting your project from beginning to the end.   Please contact our office if you have additional questions. 

Above Ground Pools are regulated by the Florida Building Code and do require a permit to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.   A Swimming Pool is defined as any structure, that is intended for swimming or recreational bathing and contains water over 24 inches deep including but not limited to inground, aboveground, and onground swimming pools, hot tubs and nonportable spas.   

The permit may be submitted in person at City Hall or through our online permitting process.  The same method for submittals/corrections must be followed until the permit has been issued (if you submit online, the process must follow one line and vice versa)

**Regardless of the submittal method, you may follow the progression of your permit application online.  www.palmcoastgov.com/eplanreview using the guest access and your address or permit number.

The permit review is usually completed within 5 business days. If additional information or corrections are necessary, an email notification will be sent with the details.

 An automatic email will be sent when the permit application has been approved.  Payments can be made online or in person regardless of submittal method.

Approved documents are to be printed from the website (or picked up if submitted manually) and are to be at the site when the inspector arrives.

The inspections identified on the job card/online inspection tab are required for your project.   If you feel there are missing inspections or something is not required, please contact the plan reviewers at 386-986-3782.  

Inspections can be scheduled through the online permitting portal or by calling our automated inspection system at 386-986-4747. 

When the inspector has been assigned to your inspection, an email notification will be sent containing the inspector's name and phone #.  You may contact him directly for a two hour time frame for arrival.   Inspections requested prior to 6:59 a.m. will be done the same day.  Any inspection requested after 7:00 a.m. will be done the following business day.  

The permit will remain active for three months from the date of issuance, if the permit expires without the required inspections, a new permit will be required.

Residential Above Ground Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas Regulations

The 2020 Florida Building Code - Residential (7^th Edition) and Palm Coast Land Development Code establish regulations for above ground swimming pools, including hot tubs, spas and similar, with water depths over 24 inches.  Below is a partial list of regulations you should be aware of.  This is not a complete list.  Complete regulations can be found in the 2020 Florida Building Code-Residential, Chapter 45 and in particular Section R4501.17 through R4501.17.3.   

Permit required

• A building permit issued by the City of Palm Coast is required for above ground pools with a water depth over 24 inches. 

Barrier requirements  (These requirement do not preclude the Palm Coast Zoning Regulations below) 

• Pool must be provided with a code compliant pool barrier measuring 48 inches above grade at all points on the side of the barrier facing away from the pool.   
• Barriers may not have any gaps, openings, indentations or components that could allow a child to crawl under, squeeze through or climb over.
• The structure of the pool may be used as a barrier provided the top of the pool is 48 inches above grade at all points and further provided any ladder or steps serving the pool is capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access or the pool is surrounded by a code compliant pool barrier.
• Pool barrier gates that provide access to swimming pools must open outward away from pool and be self-closing and equipped with a self-latching locking device 54" from the bottom of the gate and located on the pool side of the gate.

Electrical

• Metal framed pools shall be electrically bonded to the pump motor.
• A GFCI protected receptacle is required and must be a minimum of 6 feet from the inside wall of the pool.
• The pump connection to the GFCI receptacle shall be through the approved cord that comes with the pump. EXTENSION CORDS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
• If adding GFCI outlet, provide wire and breaker sizes.
• Show the distance from outlet to edge of pool.  A minimum of 6 feet is required.

Alarms

• Pools less than 48 inches above grade at all points or are not completely surrounded by a code compliant pool barrier require that all doors and windows that open and provide access to the pool be provided with alarms.  A pool water alarm may be substituted.  Door and window alarms and pool water alarms must conform to specific standards. 

Palm Coast zoning regulations   (Land Development Code 4.01.08 http://library.municode.com/fl/palm_coast/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=PACOUNLADECO_CH4COLISPUSAC) 

• Above ground pools must be enclosed by a full screen or with a permanent wall/fence at least 4 feet in height.  
  • IF A FENCE IS TO BE ERECTED, THE PROPERTY OWNER MUST COMPLETE THE FENCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM THROUGH THE ONLINE PERMITTING PORTAL PRIOR TO THE SUBMITTAL OF THE SWIMMING POOL PERMIT APPLICATION.   http://www.palmcoastgov.com/government/building/ownerdocumentdetails/76
• Above ground pools must meet minimum setback requirements of the zoning district measured from outer wall of pool to property lines.

THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST OF CODE PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO RESIDENTIAL ABOVE GROUND POOLS.  ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS MAY APPLY.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE PALM COAST BUILDING AND ZONING DIVISIONS AT THE NUMBERS PROVIDED BELOW.

Swimming Pools used without first obtaining an approved final inspection will be in violation of Florida Statutes and may be punishable as a misdemeanor under the Florida Swimming Pool Safety Act.

What is required to apply for a permit?

Permit application

Manufactures specifications (booklet provided at time of purchase)

Plans must include height of pool from ground to top  (can be handwritten on plans /site plan or application job description)

Electrical power detail plan  -depicting how electrical will be provided for the pool pump 

Site plans/survey - include all existing and proposed structures and setbacks to property lines.  Check our files - http://records.palmcoastgov.com/

Landscape plan (may be included on the site plan)

Proof of property ownership - recorded deed or property appraisers office printout

Owner affidavit

Tenant Affidavit- if property owner is not obtaining the permit 

Notice of commencement (certified copy) this is required for any improvements to your property greater than $2,500.The notice of commencement is to be filled out, and recorded with the Flagler County Clerk's office in Bunnell. It is not required at the time of permit issuance, but will be required prior to any inspections.

Above ground pool permits will be reviewed within 3 - 5 days. 

You may make application using our online permit submittal  - http://www.palmcoastgov.com/eplanreview

(A signed permit application or owner affidavit will not be required for upload if using the online submittal portal)

We have tried our best to provide all the information necessary on this page to help you understand the process for permitting your project from beginning to the end.   Please contact our office if you have additional questions. 

A residential accessory structure is any structure incidental and accessory to; and located on the same lot as a one or two-family dwelling and includes but is not necessarily limited to: pergolas, gazebos, decks, patio covers, green houses / nurseries and whether with or without a roof and whether attached to the home or detached from the home.

Accessory structures are regulated by the Florida Building Code and DO require a permit to ensure compliance with state and local building code, land use and zoning  regulations and teh City's design wind speed of 120 m.p.h.

Please be aware, not all pre-manufactured accessory structures available for purchase on-line or through a local retailer are constructed to comply with the Florida Building Code and the City's design wind speed.  It is important that you verify manufacturer's construction and installation plans including requirements for supporting foundations and connections to supporting foundations are signed and sealed by a Florida licensed professional engineer and designed for a 120 m.ph. design wind speed BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR PURCHASE. 

The permit pay be submitted in person at City Hall or through our online permitting process.  The same method for submittals/corrections must be followed until the permit has been issued (if you submit online, the process must follow one line and vice versa)

**Regardless of the submittal method, you may follow the progression of your permit application online.  www.palmcoastgov.com/eplanreview using the guest access and your address or permit #.

The permit review is usually completed within 3-5 business days. If additional information or corrections are necessary, an email notification will be sent with the details.

 An automatic email will be sent when the permit application has been approved.  Payments can be made online or in person regardless of submittal method.

Approved documents are to be printed from the website (or picked up if submitted manually) and are to be at the site when the inspector arrives.

The inspections identified on the job card/online inspection tab are required for your project.   If you feel there are missing inspections or something is not required, please contact the plan reviewers at 386-986-3782.  

Inspections can be scheduled through the online permitting portal or by calling our automated inspection system at 386-986-4747. 

When the inspector has been assigned to your inspection, an email notification will be sent containing the inspector's name and phone #.  You may contact him directly for a two hour time frame for arrival. 

The permit will remain active for six months from the date of issuance, if the permit expires without the required inspections, a new permit will be required.

If a foundation survey for the concrete involved in your project is not on file in our office, a foundation survey (if applicable) will need to be submitted prior to any vertical construction. 

What is required to apply for a permit?

Permit application

• Signed and sealed construction plans prepared by a Florida licensed professional engineer indicating design complies with the City's design wind speed of 120 m.p.h. 
• For pre-manufactured structures, the manufacturer's installation specifications (booklet provided at time of purchase).  Note:  the manufacturer's installation specifications do not substitute for signed and sealed construction plans

Manufactures specifications (booklet provided at time of purchase)

Site plans/survey - include all existing and proposed structures and setbacks to property lines.  Check our files - http://records.palmcoastgov.com/

Landscape plan (may be included on the site plan)

Structures shall be screened with a visual buffer planting, solid or decorative fencing or walls may be installed to screen from public view. Plants used shall be vegetation that conserves water, is adaptable to local conditions and is drought tolerant.  (See Land Development Code  4.01.02.03 http://library.municode.com/fl/palm_coast/codes/land_development_code?nodeId=PACOUNLADECO_CH4COLISPUSACfor acceptable fence material and color). 

Proof of property ownership - recorded deed or property appraisers office printout

Owner Builder affidavit

Notice of commencement (certified copy) this is required for any improvements to your property greater than $2,500.The notice of commencement is to be filled out, and recorded with the Flagler County Clerk's office in Bunnell. It is not required at the time of permit issuance, but will be required prior to any inspections.

To get an estimated cost for your project, please use our online fee calculator - https://www.palmcoastgov.com/government/building/fee-calculator

You may make application using our online permit submittal - http://www.palmcoastgov.com/eplanreview

(A signed permit application will not be required for upload if using the online submittal portal)

Staying Informed 

• The current status of your permit from beginning to end is available through our online permitting portal - www.palmcoastgov.com/eplanreview 
• An automatic notification system will provide you status changes for plan review status (with notes), permit status, inspection requests and results.