Obtaining a building permit for a swimming pool used to be a simple chore, but we are finding the jurisdictions are enforcing very strict regulations, therefore, making the contractors and homeowners gather a great deal of information prior to obtaining a building permit. Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc. is well versed in the county and city jurisdictions here in Georgia..
We are here to provide insight and helpful tools to make the permitting process somewhat easier.
1. Make Sure You Give Yourself Enough Time:
Most customers have a “completion date” in mind for their swimming pool. Depending on what county or city you live in will determine how long the permitting process will take. We have seen about 1 week to 6 months to obtain a permit. Unfortunately, we are unable to give exact quotes/times on the permitting process because each jurisdiction is different. If you would like to be swimming by the spring/early summer, we recommend signing the contract as soon as possible so we can obtain the permit and begin construction.
2. Is Your Home on Sewer or Septic Tank?:
Septic Tank: If your home is on septic tank, we will have to obtain a copy of the septic drawing from the Environmental Health Department in your jurisdiction to determine where your tank and septic lines are located. Most jurisdictions require a swimming pool to be 20 – 30 feet off of the septic tank/lines with a reserve area in your yard if the system were to fail. If the septic system is in your backyard and you do not have enough room, we have a company we can recommend to move the lines. We have many customers that must alter their system to build a swimming pool. Once we determine the pool location, confirm your yard meets code and you decide to build a swimming pool, we have to obtain approval from the Environmental Health Department before we can submit to the Building Department. This process usually takes about 1-3 weeks (+/-) as each jurisdiction is different. We simply draw your pool design on the septic drawing we obtained from the county.
Sewer: If your home is on sewer, then in all counties (with the exception of Dekalb County), we can go straight to the building department with your design.
3. Do You Have a Survey or Plat of Your Property?
A survey or plat is very important to swimming pool construction planning. We are sure to explain this when a customer first inquires with our company. Before you have a salesperson come to your home, you NEED to obtain a copy of your survey or plat and have this document ready for the appointment. If you do not have a copy of the document, you can obtain one from your local Tax Assessors Office.
Why are these documents so important?
A plat or survey with the pool design drawn is what we submit to the Building Department to obtain the building permit. We have to include set backs from your house and all property lines.
Most surveys and/or plats also show us if you have any environmental issues in your yard. Most recently, we have seen sanitary sewer lines, 100 year flood plains, 50 year flood plains, drainage easements, etc. These would be considered environmental issues and more information must be provided if you have one of these items in your yard. If you have one of these situations and you have provided us with a plat, you will most likely have to obtain an “as built” survey of your property with the environmental area staked off and noted on the survey. Every situation is different and we try to be as clear as possible once we hear what the jurisdiction requires. The worst case scenario would be a variance hearing.
“As Built Survey”
Some jurisdictions require an “as built” survey to build a pool. We use this term quite a bit. An as built survey is a drawing done of your property that contains all structures (your house, your driveway, sheds, garages, etc.). Once the survey is done, we add the proposed pool to the survey to determine your impervious coverage. This survey must contain a legal description.
Some jurisdictions that require an “as built survey” are Rockdale County, Dekalb County, City of Decatur, City of Alpharetta, City of Atlanta, City of Johns Creek, Fulton County and many more.
“Pre-Construction Inspections”
Many jurisdictions here in Georgia are requiring pre-construction meetings with inspectors. The pre-construction meeting is mostly used to lay the pool out and to verify the pool location. Some cities even require us to have a land disturbance meeting where the inspector tells us where to install silt fence and tree protect. Each meeting is different as we navigate through the different county and city regulations.
Regardless of the permitting issues that your particular home may incur, rest assured that Hilltop Pools has the experience and the professional staff to assist you every step of the way.
Call us to begin your swimming pool project today!
770-471-3889
The Staff of Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.
