Swimming pool grading permits and fence enclosures for in-ground, above-ground (including hot tubs and spas) as well as temporary and seasonal pools are issued before installation occurs, as required by the City of Vaughan Fence By-law 189-2020 (PDF). Any body of water 30 inches or more in depth requires a pool permit. Permit fees are non-refundable. For more information, read the pool permits frequently asked questions.

Permit requirements

In-ground pool

Documents required for submission: 
(all documents to be submitted in PDF format)

1. Site plan drawing/grading plan – see samples, drawing details and lot grading notes below
2. Agent Authorization Form (PDF) – required if applicant is not the registered homeowner
3. Pool Enclosure Agreement (PDF) for in-ground pools only outlines all applicable permit conditions and requirements for collection and return of security deposit.  Pool fence checklist – complete checklist based on fence and gate material. Please ensure to include all relevant measurements.      
a. Wood (PDF)
b. Metal picket (PDF)
c. Chain link (PDF)
d. Masonry wall (PDF)
e. Glass (PDF)
f. Other materials (PDF)
4. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) approval – if applicable
5. Committee of Adjustment approval – if applicable
6. Permit fee – includes two drawing reviews for both zoning and grading requirements. Any additional reviews are subject to a fee as listed Fees and Charges By-law 171-2013 Schedule K (PDF).

• Hand-drawn sketches or photographs will not be accepted
• Units of measurement and scales must be metric
• Existing overland drainage must be maintained
• Municipal address, entire property line including driveway and street name must be clearly labelled – if the property is on a corner, label both street names
• Proposed swimming pool including shape, location, dimensions and setbacks to property lines and dwelling
• Location of pool equipment with setbacks specifying if mounted on a pad or placed within an accessory structure
• Existing and proposed softscaping and hardscaping including dimensions and a minimum 0.6 metre setback from the property line
• Fence and gate location
• Labelling of all existing trees with base diameter and trees to be removed – you may require a tree removal permit

Sample drawings:

In-ground pool drawing (PDF)

 

Above-ground pool

Documents required for submission: 
(all documents to be submitted in PDF format)

1. Site plan drawing/grading plan – see samples, drawing details and lot grading notes below
2. Agent Authorization Form (PDF) – required if applicant is not the registered homeowner
3. Pool fence checklist – complete checklist based on fence and gate material. Please ensure to include all relevant measurements.
a. Wood (PDF)
b. Metal picket (PDF)
c. Chain link (PDF)
d. Masonry wall (PDF)
e. Glass (PDF)
f. Other materials (PDF)
4. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) approval – if applicable
5. Committee of Adjustment approval – if applicable
6. Permit fee – includes two drawing reviews for both zoning and grading requirements. Any additional reviews are subject to a fee as listed Fees and Charges By-law 171-2013 Schedule K (PDF).  

Above-ground pool drawing (PDF)

• Hand-drawn sketches or photographs will not be accepted
• All drawings must be submitted with measurements in metric
• Should the subject property’s lot grading not be certified, the required site grading plan must be stamped by the engineering consultant for the applicable subdivision
• Existing overland drainage must be maintained
• Municipal address, entire property line including driveway and street name must be clearly labelled – if the property is on a corner, label both street names
• Proposed swimming pool including shape, location, dimensions and setbacks to property lines and dwelling
• Location of pool equipment with setbacks specifying if mounted on a pad or placed within an accessory structure
• Existing and proposed accessory structures and dimensions (ex. cabanas). Be sure to label any accessory structures that will be removed or relocated
• If applicable, please provide water feature height, setbacks and details (elevation)
• Label all hardscape and softscape elements (existing and proposed) including dimensions and minimum 0.6 metres setback from the property line
• Identify all retaining walls including height, setback and top and bottom elevations
• Please note: any retaining wall over 1 metre in height must be certified by a professional engineer. Please refer to Pool Permit Notes and Zoning By-law 1-88 (PDF) for more details
• Fence and gate location
• Construction access location
• Show relative elevations water direction flow and slope percentage
• Indicate location of any rear yard catch basins
• Label all existing trees with base diameter. Identify any trees to be removed or within area of construction (dripline)
• Soakaway pits, infiltration trenches, subdrains etc. are not accepted as a replacement for existing or proposed swales and/or catchbasins

Lot grading notes/site plan drawing details for pool permits

1. The lot must be certified for grading in an unassumed subdivision. If not, an approved site grading plan must be submitted by the developer’s consulting engineer.
2. The site plans, drawings and construction must comply with the City of Vaughan lot grading criteria.
3. The alterations to existing grades are not permitted within 0.6 metres of all lot lines.
4. The lot grading must not be altered (unless specifically approved by the permit) including:
   a. existing natural or artificial watercourse
   b. open channel
   c. swale or ditch used to drain the land
   d. catch basin or infiltration trench located on the private property
5. The alteration of any City property is prohibited.
6. The retaining walls including height, setback and top and bottom elevations must all be labelled. Any retaining wall over one metre in height must be certified by a professional engineer. Please refer to City of Vaughan lot grading criteria and Zoning By-law 1-88 (PDF) for more details.
7. The pool discharge must not adversely affect adjacent properties.
8. The sedimentation control measures must be installed before construction.
9. The permit has not been reviewed for the construction of the pool and for any pool design loads exerted onto nearby buildings or structures (including retaining walls or decorative walls, dwelling, catch basin lead pipe, etc.).
10. The property must be available for access to City staff as part of the permit review process to inspect pre-existing conditions of the property and municipal right-of-way.
11. Failing to comply to the swimming pool enclosure permit and agreement may result in retention of security deposit.