Pool, hot tub and pond permits

Check whether you need a permit

• To add a pool to your property you will need a development engineering permit.
• A wood deck surrounding your above-ground pool requires a building permit application and applicable building inspections.
• Please contact the Building Services department at 905-338-4220 to discuss your project details.

By-laws

To reduce the risk of a potential drowning, all types of pools (including inflatable ones), hot tubs and landscape pond features must:

• Be enclosed by a fence, restricted by a lockable gate, if the depth capacity exceeds 60 centimetres (≈ 1 ft 11⅝ in) (two feet)
• Adhere to the appropriate setbacks from the property line.
• Hot tubs require lockable lids if the property is not fenced or gated.
• Learn more about the Pool Enclosure By-law. Call 905-338-4407 for more information.
• The Zoning By-law regulations may also impact your project.

Check the Pool Enclosure By-law

The Pool Enclosure By-law regulates all pool enclosures constructed, existing or replaced, within the Town of Oakville. The by-law:

• Requires that you obtain a pool enclosure permit before beginning the construction or installation of a new pool
• Requires that any pool be fully enclosed by a pool enclosure
• Sets minimums for height, distance from water’s edge and locking gate requirements
• Requires temporary fencing during construction if an existing enclosure is not already in place
• A pool without an enclosure is a safety concern and requires immediate action.
• Non-compliance with the by-law may result in fees and charges under the Administrative Penalty By-law 2021-038.
• Pool Enclosure By-law

Pool enclosures

• All pools require a secure pool enclosure as per the Pool Enclosure By-law.
• If you are planning to install a pool, you require a permit to construct the enclosure. An enclosure (fencing, wall, adjacent building or combination) must meet by-law standards.
• located outdoors on private property
• entirely or partially contained by artificial means
• capable of holding water in excess of 0.61 metres (≈ 2 ft) (two feet) in depth at any point
• Pool Permit Procedures and Guidelines
• If any removals are proposed along with earth moving or pools, please indicate so on the Engineering Permit Application.

Tree protection and removal

• For additional approvals, you may need to contact other town departments or other agencies.
• Did you know that there are special requirements if your project is near a town-owned tree? Are you thinking about cutting a tree down on your property?
• Visit the Tree Protection and Removal page for permit details and applications.

Prepare your submission0 of 1

Refer to the following documents for information about required submission materials.

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Complete the forms2Download the set6 forms

Prepare for your application by reviewing the applicable information and completing the related forms for your project.

• Site Alteration (Pool) - Stormwater Requirement CalculatorDocument
• Authorization of Property Owner formIf you are applying for a permit on behalf of the property owner, please fill out an Authorization of Property Owner form (pdf). You will need to upload it during the application submission.Form

Submit your application

To submit a new Development Engineering Permit application;

• Sign into your town account on our online services and visit the Planning & Construction page.
• Select “Development Engineering Permit” to start your permit application.
• On the “My Development Engineering Permits and Applications” page, select the “Add new permit/application” button.
• Provide a description of the proposed work.
• Search and select the property address for the proposed work.
• Choose the activities you are planning on conducting and answer all the required questions based on the activities you have selected.
• Provide the required project contact information.
• Upload the required permit application documents.
• Submit your application for pre-screening.
• Your application will be pre-screened to ensure all required information has been provided.
• If information is insufficient or missing, you will be notified of the missing requirements that you will need to provide.

Pay the fee

• Once we have all of the required information, you will be notified by email what fees are to be paid online.
• When fees and securities are owed, you will be notified via email with the amount owed and instructions on how to pay them. Applications will not be reviewed if there are any fees outstanding.
• Sign into your town account, access the “My Development Engineering Permits and Applications” page and select the “Pay Fees” button beside the applicable permit application.
• Select the “Pay Selected Fees” button and pay your fees using your credit card.
• e-Transfer to devengrequests@oakville.ca, which is an automatically depositing email (Note: do not use security questions or passwords). For e-transfers the maximum daily limit is $10,000. (Multiple daily transfers are acceptable.)
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to accountsreceivable@oakville.ca.
• Securities may also be paid by Certified Cheque or Bank Draft, which should be mailed to “The Town of Oakville, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville ON L6H 0H3”, or dropped off in the secure drop box at town hall “Attention: Development Engineering”.
• Securities can not be paid by credit card.
• Transportation & Engineering - Right of Way Management Rates and Fees

Inspections and release of securities

• Upon completion of your project, a request for inspection must be submitted using our online services.
• A final Lot Grading Certification is required from the site surveyor to verify they have been on site within the past 30 days of the dated letter, and that the works have been carried out in accordance with the plan. Site photos must be included with submission of the LGC.
• Application fees include a maximum of two inspection visits. Additional inspection fees will be charged after the two failed inspections.
• Securities collected on the permit will only be released once all required inspections have passed.