Private swimming pools

A permit is required to install an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool. 

Location 

The exterior edge of the pool must be no less than 1.52m (5’) from ANY property line. 

Pools are only permitted in the rear and lateral yard. 

Required fencing around all swimming pools 

Provincial legislation S-3.1.02, r. 1 – Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation is in effect regarding security around residential swimming pools. 

See the summary document: Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation
– Application Guide (PDF, in French only).

For safety reasons, access to private swimming pools must be completely restricted by fencing meeting the following requirements: 

• Fencing between 1.82m (6′) and 2.43m (8′) high enclosing the rear yard of the property. 
• Fencing must be equipped with a self-closing, self-locking gate installed on the inside of the enclosure. 
• Space between the bottom of the fence and the ground cannot be more than 100mm (4″). In the case of a chain-link fence, each link measures less than 50mm (2″). 
• Must not be equipped with any fixture, projecting element or open part enabling it to be climbed. 

Provincial legislation also stipulates that a fence at least 1.22m (4′) high restricting access to the pool from the principal dwelling is required. 

Distinct features for above-ground swimming pools 

Fencing for above-ground pools must meet the same minimums set out in the previous section in addition to the following: 

• If accessed by a staircase, access to the stairs must be restricted. If by a removable ladder, the ladder must be stored away from the pool when not in use. 
• All associated equipment must be at least 1.22m (4′) from the exterior edge of the pool (also applies to in-ground swimming pools). 

Decks and patios adjacent to swimming pools 

A deck adjacent to an above-ground pool must be located at least 2m (6’6″) from the rear and lateral property lines. It must have a fence with a minimum height of 0.91m (3′) that is at least 1.83m (6′) from the ground at the base of the pool. The fence must also conform to the above-mentioned criteria for fencing around pools. 

Decks on the rear half of a pool cannot exceed a width of 0.91m (3′). 

A patio adjacent to an in-ground pool must be 0.91m (3′) from any property line unless the pool is within 1.83m (6′) of the property line then the patio may be up to 0.6m (2′) from the property line. 

Protection of public property 

For in-ground pools, there is a non-negotiable damage deposit listed in Article 2.3.9 of the Tariff By-law #2655. This deposit is returned once the City inspector concludes that no damage was done to public property. The machinery for excavation is heavy and may damage the city sidewalk, hence why we require it. 

How to apply for a permit 

1. Check the applicable regulations 

1. Pools are regulated in Chapter 5 of the Zoning By-law #2217 (PDF).   
2. All pool safety regulations as per Provincial legislation S-3.1.02, r. 1 – Règlement sur la sécurité des piscines résidentielles are outlined in Swimming Pools By-law 2618 (PDF)  
3. Costs of permits and fees, including the damage deposit for public property, are listed in the Fee Schedule.

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list and other regulations may apply. If you have any questions pertaining to these regulations, please book an appointment (link) to meet with a member of the Urban Planning Department. 

2. Required documents 

1. A valid Certificate of Location, prepared by a licensed land surveyor. Please consult the Ordre des Arpenteurs-Geomètres du Québec website for an example (PDF) 
2. A scaled site plan showing the proposed location and dimensions of the pool, the surrounding patio (if applicable), all fencing—including the safety enclosure and the rear‑yard perimeter fence—and any associated landscape modifications 
3. A scaled site plan indicating the existing conditions, particularly the current landscaping in the rear yard, is strongly recommended 
4. An itemized contractor’s cost estimate, listing the associated costs of all materials and labour for the project. 
5. A technical specifications sheet for the pool, including a cross‑section showing the pool’s depth.” 
6. A technical specifications sheet for the pool safety fence, ideally including a detailed drawing of the fence with all required dimensions and features 
7. If you are not the property owner as listed on Montreal’s property assessment roll, you must complete the following procuration form (PDF).  

NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by the permit agent. 

3. Submit a permit application 

1. After preparing the necessary documents, the permit application can be easily completed and submitted online.  
2. You will be provided a reference number following the submission of your application. 

4. Analysis of the permit application 

1. The Urban Planning Department will begin the analysis of your permit application as soon as all required information is submitted. 
2. If additional information is required, a staff member will contact you. 
3. If you have not received timely communication or updates regarding your permit application, we kindly ask you to send us an email at [email protected]. 
4. No work can begin until you receive a valid construction permit. 

5. Issuance and payment of the permit 

1. When the analysis of your permit application request is complete, you will receive an email with steps to pay for the permit. A permit will only be issued once the payment has been successfully received and processed. 
2. For in-ground pool construction permits, there is a non-negotiable damage deposit listed in Article 2.3.9 of the Tariff By-law #2655. This deposit is returned once the City inspector concludes that no damage was done to public property. 
3. Once issued, the construction permit must be visible from the street in the front of the property. 

6. Inspection during the construction and completion 

1. Throughout the construction process, the City inspector will visit the site for compliance with the work listed in the permit description and the applicable municipal by-laws. 
2. After the work is completed, please contact the designated inspector listed in the permit description. 

7. Reimbursement of damage deposit 

1. If the final inspection concludes that no damage was caused to public property, the reimbursement of the damage deposit will be issued within 6-8 weeks. For more information, please contact the Urban Planning Department ([email protected]) 

Have questions? Need assistance to apply for a permit? We are here to help!

Book an appointment to meet with the Urban Planning Department