You need to have a pool permit before installing a swimming pool, swim spa or hot tub in the City of Burlington.
The City has streamlined the approval process for residential swimming pools. We have taken three approvals and made one application with a combined review process.
Residential Swimming Pool Application
The three approvals included in the Residential Swimming Pool Application are:
- a Zoning Clearance Certificate
- Forestry Approval (Tree Permit)
- and a Pool Enclosure Permit.
A separate combined residential zoning clearance certificate application is not required as it’s part of the pool application.
| Residential Swimming Pool Application Process |
| If you are planning to install a pool on your property, please fill out online submission for residential swimming pools. We are not taking paper/hard copy submissions right now. |
| Complete Online Application Form |
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Apply using our Combined Residential Swimming Pool Application E-Form. Have all your documents ready before you start your online application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. You need to send us these documents for a Combined Residential Swimming Pool Application:
For more information, please contact:
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| Application Checked for Completion |
| The application review process may take several days to ensure that the application is complete. We will let you know if we need any more documents to support your application. We may ask you to resubmit your application. An application is not considered complete until all required documents have been received by the City of Burlington. |
| Payments of Fees |
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When your application has been deemed complete, we will send you your application file number and let you know what you owe. Our preferred method of payment are E-Transfers from a bank that recognizes auto-deposit.
Combined Residential Swimming Pool Applications are reviewed in the order they are submitted. |
| Application Circulation |
| We will circulate your application to our Zoning, Building, and Forestry Departments for review. We will share comments from our Subject Matter Experts from each department. Once all departments’ staff have signed off on their review, and no further revisions are required, we will send you your Residential Swimming Pool Approval. Combined Residential Swimming Pool Applications are reviewed in the order they are submitted. |
Residential Swimming Pool Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I contact if I have questions about an active application? |
| For more information about our application requirements, application process and/or your application status, please contact planning@burlington.ca. Combined Residential Pool Permit Applications are reviewed in the order they are submitted. The processing time for approval may be up to 8 weeks due to current volumes. |
Residential Swimming Pool Resources
- Sample Pool Plan Anatomy [PDF]
- Example Pool Plan [PDF]
- Pool Owner Information Notice [PDF]
- Pool Water Maintenance Information [PDF]
- Outside Agency Contact Sheet [PDF]
- Pool Bylaw (By-law 074-2005)
- Tree Protection and Preservation SS12A [PDF]
Apply for a Hot Tub under 8m2 permit
Hot tubs or Swim Spas over 8m2 require a residential swimming pool application.
To get a hot tub under 8m2 permit, you need to apply as well submit other required documents.
To apply for or follow up on an application, or for any questions about hot tubs under 8m2, please email bylaw@burlington.ca.
Hot Tub Frequently Asked Questions
When can I place water in the hot tub under 8m2? |
| You cannot place water in a hot tub under 8m2 until all fencing and gates have been inspected or the lockable lid is inspected and approved by a bylaw enforcement officer. Placing water in a pool before final inspection may result in a fine. |
Is a permit required for a hot tub under 8m2? |
| A permit is required for all bodies of water that are 600mm deep. All hot tubs under 8m2, must be enclosed by fencing and gates or a lockable lid in accordance with our Pool Bylaw (By-law 074-2005). |
Is the contractor responsible for a hot tub under 8m2 permit? |
| The contractor may apply for the hot tub under 8m2 permit on your behalf, but it is your responsibility to get a hot tub under 8m2 permit. |