Pools and Hot Tubs

“Pool” means any body of water located outside of a building contained in whole or in part by artificial means in which the depth of water at any point can exceed 0.6 metres (24 inches) and includes swimming pools, hydro massage pools, hot tubs, spas, whirlpools and decorative ponds but does not include a Storm Water Management Facility or a Natural Body of Water.

The permit application contains a questionnaire that will determine the types of permits that are required for your pool. 
Apply for permits

Below is a list of permits which may be required. 

Site Alteration Permit

All installations and landscaping projects require review by our Engineering Division in Economic & Development Services. The review ensures that the intent of the existing grading on your property is respected to prevent an adverse impact to the neighbouring properties. 

Application requirements

One (1) plan view sketch of the proposed work indicating the applicable dimensions and property size. The plan view sketch must show:

• The details of the proposed pool and pool equipment pad
• Proposed or existing landscaping
• Property lines
• Dimensions throughout
• Overland flow drainage pattern of land
• Proposed construction access
• The land within 0.6m of the property line to remain undisturbed

Application fee: $600

Security Deposit: $1000 (returned when the work is done to the satisfaction of the City)

Pool Enclosure Permit

All properties in Oshawa which contain a pool, hot tub or decorative pond:

• With a depth of 30 cm (12 in) to 60 cm (24 in) must have an enclosure with a minimum height of 120 cm (48 in);
• With a depth exceeding 60 cm (24 in) must obtain a Pool Enclosure Permit and comply with specific standards related to the style and construction of the fence/enclosure.

Pool enclosure requirements can be found in the Pool Enclosure By-law.

Application requirements

• Pool Enclosure Drawing to include:
  • Lot lines
  • Buildings: locations and what they are
  • Location of proposed pool
  • Enclosure: including fencing and location of gate(s)
  • Door access to pool area and where it leads to in the dwelling
  • Streets the lot is facing
  • Driveway location

• An Owner Authorization Form will also be required if someone other than the owner is submitting the application.

Application fee: $200

Park Access Permit

A Park Access Permit is required if you need to access your property through City owned land.

Application requirements

• Certificate of Insurance for the Contractor:

  • Minimum of $2 million General Liability insurance
  • City of Oshawa must be named as Additional Insured
  • Valid for dates Park/trail to be accessed

Application fee: $85

Security Deposit: Varies depending on site conditions and scope of work

Road Occupancy Permit

A Road Occupancy Permit is required if you need to store equipment and/or materials on the City roadway, boulevard or sidewalk or occupying roadway for a concrete truck or for a container to load/unload material or cross the boulevard or sidewalk.

Application Requirements

• Certificate of Insurance
  • Property owner (considered the 'Applicant') must be listed as insured
  • 2 million General Liability insurance
  • City of Oshawa must be named as Additional Insured
  • Certificates required for:
    • Applicant and Contractor, or
    • Applicant with Contractor named as Additional Insured (as well as City being named as additional insured)
  • Certificates to be checked for effective dates and to see if site specific

Application fee: $85

Other considerations

The City is unable to provide any form of approvals related to pool construction, within new lots/subdivisions in which the grading of your lot has not yet received approval or “certification” from your home builder.

If you reside within a property that has been recently built (<2 years), you will be required to obtain approval of your proposed work through your builder, prior to proceeding. We recommend that you contact your respective builder to determine the status of your lot certification, as building a pool prior to receiving lot grading certification may be in contravention to your home purchase and sale agreement.  Once you have confirmed that your lot grading has been approved/certified – we would be happy to proceed with your application.

The information above is for standard pool installations and landscaping projects. Special conditions may apply for corner lots, properties adjacent to Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (C.L.O.C.A.) lands, and more major projects.

If you are building a deck and/or other structure or renovating the house in conjunction with the pool installation, a Building Permit may be required.

An owner may authorize another person to act as an agent on their behalf by filling out the Owner Authorization Form. The agent can represent the owner and attend inspections at the property if the owner is unable to do so.