Modern Mississauga and the City of Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the City.”
We’ll share relevant information here and answer your questions about our city.

Today’s question is about above-ground swimming pool permits

I want to build an above-ground pool in my backyard - How do I get a permit for it?

If you’re installing an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool, hot tub or swim spa in your backyard, you’ll need to submit documents to the City of Mississauga and a pay a fee before starting work.

If you're installing a hot tub, swim spa or your property is next to a greenbelt zone, you may need to meet different requirements outlined in the Zoning by-law. Your pool must be set back a minimum of 1.5 meters from all lot lines, measured from the inside wall of the pool.

Here are five steps you’ll need to follow:

1) Submit Documents

You’ll need to submit the following documents in-person at the Compliance and Licensing Service Counter located on the ground floor at 300 City Centre Dr, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

· One scaled, legible drawing of the hot tub, swim spa, or swimming pool site plan on 11 x 17 sized paper. Hand-drawn sketches will not be accepted.

· An original statutory declaration signed by the property owner(s) and a lawyer or notary public.

· A swimming pool enclosure inspection request, valid for one year from the application date and pay the pool enclosure inspection fee of $303 plus HST payable by cash, cheques, debit or credit.

· A survey of your property, which accurately reflects all existing fencing, structures and easements within the property boundaries, is required.

In addition, the swimming pool site plan must show the current lot grades, elevations, drainage and any proposed changes. You can read the swimming pool and hot tub installation guide for more information.

You may be asked to submit additional documents such as a tree removal permit and/or a park access permit, if required.

Lot grading

Lot grading is the slope of the ground on your property. The swimming pool site plan must show the current lot grades, elevations, drainage and any proposed changes. Reference the swimming pool and hot tub installation guide.

Road occupancy permit
If you need to store construction equipment, machinery or materials on a road, sidewalk or City-owned land during construction, you'll need to apply for a road occupancy permit.

2) Schedule a pre-construction meeting

Once your site plan is approved, the City will contact you to schedule a pre-construction meeting at your property about the proposed location of your pool.

Before the inspectors arrive, make sure the proposed location of your pool is marked with spray paint or stakes where the walls of the pool enclosure and any pool equipment will be.

If any changes have been made between when you submitted your site plan and the inspection, you'll need to submit a revised site plan before installing your pool.

3) Pay additional fees and deposits

You’ll receive an email letting you know that everything is in order. Then you can pay the development and construction inspection fee of $290 plus HST and the refundable deposits mentioned below:

· Municipal services protection deposit of $500 for above-ground or $1,000 for in-ground or on-ground pools.

· Lot grading deposit of $5,000 for in-ground or on-ground pools (if there will be changes to the lot grading)

Once your deposits are paid, you'll receive an email notice within a week from the Development Construction Inspector indicating when you can start construction.

4) Install your pool

While you install your pool and enclosure, make sure that:

· No changes are made to the site plan.

· Existing lot grading and drainage patterns are maintained.

· Municipal property (which includes roads, boulevards, sidewalks, easements and City-owned land) are free of equipment, debris and mud.

5) Schedule final inspections

Before you fill your pool for the first time, call 3-1-1 (905-615-4311 outside City limits) to arrange a final pool enclosure inspection. When the inspection is complete and the enclosure is approved, the inspector will sign a final swimming pool enclosure approval form and give you a copy.

After the pool has been installed, the enclosure is approved and any landscaping and sodding is complete, email twdevcon@mississauga.ca to request a lot grading and municipal right-of-way inspection.

After both inspections are complete and you receive the certificate of approval, we'll mail you a cheque for your refundable deposits. Refunds normally take about four weeks to process.

For more detailed information on installing a swimming pool, visit mississauga.ca/portal/residents/poolinstallation.

If you’ve got a question about the City, we want to hear from you!

Please send your questions to info@modernmississauga.com with “Ask the City” in the subject line.