Every swimming pool, as defined by the by-law, is required to be completely enclosed by a gated fence. Whether the fence is new or existing, a permit is required before the swimming pool can be installed.
Review the Swimming Pool Fence and Swimming Pool Regulation By-law PS-5 and Fence By-law PS-6 before applying for your permit.
Swimming pool fence permit
The Swimming Pool Fence and Swimming Pool Regulation By-law PS-5 regulates the construction of the pool fence and stipulates when a permit is required.
Section 4.25 of the Zoning By-law regulates where a pool and associated equipment may be located on your property, and provides guidance for you and your contractor regarding how to plan the pool itself. Always consider the planning of the pool and the necessary fencing at the same time. Don't forget diving boards, change rooms, cabanas, decks, pumps, and filters as part of your permit application. Always include those details when planning your new pool and applying for your pool fence permit as their locations are regulated by the Zoning By-law as well.
The Fence By-law PS-6 regulates non-pool fences and pool fences that exceed the minimum requirements of Swimming Pool Fence By-law PS-5.
Applying for a Pool Fence Permit
All permit submissions are to be submitted digitally; paper copies are no longer accepted.
Digital applications can be submitted by email to zoning@london.ca using the subject line:
"Municipal Address" - Swimming Pool Fence Permit Application
(e.g. 123 Fourth Street - Swimming Pool Fence Permit Application)
Documentation needed to apply for a pool fence permit
- The application form - please ensure it is complete and legible.
- A site plan, including: pool location with measurements from all property lines; fence location and type; gate location and type; pool equipment location with measurements from all property lines; dwelling location; garage and any doors leading to a fenced area; and labelled property lines.
- A letter of Undertaking of Damage to City Property.
- Fence Details sheet.
- For swimming pools located all or partially in ground, a pool grading and drainage plan approved by a Professional Engineer, Ontario Land Surveyor, Architect, Landscape Architect, or drainage contractor licensed in the Province of Ontario, showing compliance with zoning by-law minimum set-back requirements, and showing that drainage to neighbouring properties is not affected.
- Other required approvals (e.g. conservation authority, utility companies, etc.)
All documents must be provided as individual .pdf files and must be clearly named. (e.g. Site Plan, Letter of Undertaking, Fence Detail Form, Permit Application)
All digital application packages are reviewed upon submission and delays may occur if the application package is incomplete.
Payment instructions will be emailed when the permit is ready for issuance .
Other important considerations
New homes and subdivisions
For new subdivision, always check to make sure your subdivision has been assumed by the City of London before constructing a pool. Newer neighbourhoods make use of swales and catch basins to direct water away from the property, and constructing a pool without considering overland flows, or consulting your lot grading plan, may prove very costly. Premature installation, or changing the way water flows across your lot, may require costly re-engineering of your, and neighbouring properties, or could even lead to the removal of the pool at your expense.
Older homes and existing pools
Make sure any pool and its requisite fence has a current permit and has been inspected. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance. If you make changes to an existing fence, you may require a new permit.
Mandatory inspection
Once your fence has been constructed call 519-661-4660 to book an inspection.
Water may be added once a fully compliant permanent fence is installed around the pool.
If you wish to fill the pool before the inspection, a temporary fence is required. The temporary fence must comply with all safety requirements outlined in section 5.10 of the Swimming Pool Fence and Swimming Pool Regulation By-law - PS-5.
Before filling the pool, please notify the City at pfinspection@london.ca.
Temporary fencing can stay in place for up to 120 days for new pools, or 30 days for existing ones, unless the City grants an extension.
Frequently asked questions
What is the application fee?
As of September 18, 2018, a swimming pool fence permit fee is $200 or $12.50 for every $1,000 of reported construction value - whichever is greater.
What is the minimum setback from the property line to the swimming pool?
The inside wall of your pool must be at least 1.5 metres from any property line and not closer to the street than the required setback. See section 4.25 (Swimming Pools) of the Zoning By-law Z.-1.
Does my fence need a gate?
A gate is not mandatory; however, the swimming pool must be completely enclosed with a fence. Any gate associated with a swimming pool fence or other form of access to the enclosed swimming pool must be self-closing and self-latching.
Does my deck or pool shed require a separate permit?
A shed or deck may require a separate permit depending on the size or height. Please contact the Building Division at 519-661-4555.
Does a small kid size pool and or above ground pool require a swimming pool fence permit?
A permit and fence are required if has a depth of more than 75 centimetres at any point; and has a surface area of more than 1 square metre.
Is a hot tub or swim spa a pool?
Where a fitted and secured lid is provided while the unit is not in use, it is not a pool.
Do I need a swimming pool fence permit if I change from above ground to in-ground?
No, a swimming pool fence permit is not required provided a permit was previously approved. Compliance with the setbacks will be required along with a drainage plan. This information can be emailed to zoning@london.ca.
Can I have a deck around my pool?
A deck is permitted around a pool as an accessory structure, provided it complies with Section 4.1 (Accessory Uses) of the Zoning By-law. The presence of a deck does not remove the requirement for a compliant pool enclosure under the Swimming Pool Fence and Swimming Pool Regulations By-law - PS-5.
What materials are acceptable for a pool fence?
Typical acceptable materials include chain-link, solid wood boards, wrought iron, or other designs approved by the City. All pool fences must be of sturdy construction, capable of preventing unauthorized entry, and must meet all other requirements of the by-law.
Can I use a hedge or landscaping instead of a fence?
No, a hedge does not satisfy the requirements for a compliant pool fence or enclosure.
Do I need a permit to rebuild the fence?
If the entire pool fence is being replaced, it must meet current standards, and a Swimming Pool Fence Permit is required before work begins.
If a section is being replaced and there is a valid permit on file, a new permit is not required, provided the replaced section complies with the Swimming Pool Fence and Swimming Pool Regulation By-law - PS-5 and Fence By-law - PS-6.
Who is responsible for maintaining the fence?
The owner of the pool/property is responsible for erecting and maintaining the fence so that it remains compliant with the by-law.
Do I need permission from my neighbour to build a pool fence?
The Swimming Pool Fence and Swimming Pool Regulations By-law - PS-5 itself doesn’t mandate a neighbour’s permission. It regulates safety and enclosure standards. If the fence is entirely on your property, you don't need the neighbour’s permission. If you plan a shared/boundary fence, the neighbour’s permission may be needed — but that's a separate private matter, not governed by PS-5.
When can I add water to my pool?
You can add water once a fully compliant permanent fence is installed around the pool.
If the permanent fence is not yet completed, temporary fencing that meets all By-law standards must be in place before any water is added.
When using temporary fencing, you are required to notify the City’s Pool Fence Inspection team at pfinspection@london.ca on or before the day water is added.