Swimming Pool / Spa

A permit is required for installation of in-ground, or prefabricated swimming pools that are greater than 24 inches deep, spas or hot tubs, in either commercial or residential use.

Current Adopted Code: 2015 Swim Pool and Spa

You can apply online at www.mygovernmentonline.org


 Required Documentation:


Swimming Pool Process:

  1. Submit application along with required documentation as listed above online at www.mygovernmentonline.org
  2. Pay fee once application is accepted and you receive notification
  3. Allow ten business days for review
  4. Permit is approved
  5. Electrician requests electrical permit under main permit#/Plumber requests plumbing permit under main permit#
  6. Layout Inspection
  7. Pool Steel and Plumbing Rough
  8. Deck Bond and Deck Steel
  9. Swimming Pool Final

Are there any special requirements?

Impervious Cover

  • 50% of the square footage of the water surface area of a residential swimming pool shall be counted as a pervious surface.  This does not include the apron of the pool, surrounding patio, or decking, all of which will count towards the impervious cover.
  • Impervious cover limitations are established on the approved recorded plat. In the event, the recorded plat does not establish the impervious cover limitations the maximum impervious cover allowed shall be determined in accordance with the Unified Development Code Chapter 11.
  • Click Here for link to Williamson County Clerk Public Records Search for subdivision plats.

Adopted Code: 2015 Swim and Spa Code

  • A fence, wall or barrier is required that completely surrounds the swimming pool, tract, or lot. Barrier requirements are intended to provide against potential drowning and near drowning by restricting access to swimming pools, spas and hot tubs.
  • All doors with direct access to the pool shall be equipped with an alarm which produces an audible alarm when the door is opened.

Additional Information:  

Is a pool permit required in the ETJ or County? 

No. A swimming pool permit is only required inside the City Limits of Georgetown

A plumbing permit is required if the pool has an autofill device within the etj.

Is a Permit required for an above the ground pool? 

Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep do not require a permit.

Can a swimming pool be located within a setback? 

Per section 6.04.020 C 7 of the Unified Development Code, a residential swimming pool can be located entirely within the side and/or rear yard but must be set back at least three feet from side and rear property lines.

Can a swimming pool be located within a PUE or Easement? 

No

How do I know if the address is inside or outside the City Limits of Georgetown?

Visit our interactive maps page to figure out if the address is inside the City Limits of Georgetown

What is an official property survey? 

A property survey is a drawn record of the boundaries, orientation and easements associated with a lot of land.

What does an official property survey look like?

Click here for an example of a property survey

Where can I locate a copy of my property survey?

A survey is typically provided when you purchase a home and you should have been given a copy at your closing. Check with your closing documents and see if there is a copy in the paperwork and you already have it. If not contact the title company or your realtor. They should be able to either pull it from their files, or get it from the survey company for you.

Does the City of Georgetown have a copy of my survey?

The City does not maintain property surveys, but you may be able to get one through the title company, bank, or the survey company.

Does the Williamson County Clerk have a copy of my survey? 

No, the Williamson County Clerk’s office does not have copies of your property survey.

What is a plat?

A plat is the official map of an addition or subdivision, showing the number and dimensions of lots, public rights-of-way, and easements. The plat must be filed with the County Clerk after the City has approved it.

What is the difference between a plat and a property survey?

plat usually shows the dimensions of the property before the improvements are made. A plat will often cover more than one lot or parcel of land. For example, a developer will have a plat of an entire subdivision drawn; A survey usually only shows one lot.

Does the Williamson County Clerk have copies of subdivision plats? 

Yes, the Williamson County Clerk’s office does keep copies of the subdivision plats.

How do I search online for a copy of a subdivision plat? 

Please click here for directions to search for a subdivision plat

Does the Williamson County Appraisal District have a copy of my property survey? 

No, the Williamson County Appraisal District does not have copies of property surveys.

What is Impervious Cover? 

Per Chapter 16 of the Unified Development Code: Impervious Cover – Any hard-surfaced, man-made area that does not readily absorb or retain water, including, but not limited to, building roofs, parking and driveway areas, pavement, graveled areas, sidewalks, and paved recreation areas. Impervious Cover is subject to the determination of the Development Engineer. Includes and may be referred to as the term “Impervious Surface”.

Why is there Impervious Cover Limitations? 

Per Chapter 11 of the Unified Development Code : Impervious cover limitations are adopted to minimize negative flooding effects from stormwater runoff and to control, minimize, and abate water pollution resulting from urban runoff of rainwater or other non-point specific sources, pursuant to Texas Water Code § 26.177

Is there a variance to Impervious Cover Limitations?

Only in unique circumstances.

Impervious cover limitations may be established when a property is subdivided (Subdivision Plat). In this case, a restriction is added to the Plat detailing the maximum impervious cover for the subdivision and per lot. If your Plat identifies the maximum impervious cover allowed, a variance may not be granted.

If no impervious cover limitation is established by the Plat, a variance may be requested only for non-residential property over 5 acres.

Where can I find more information on Impervious Cover Limitations?

 For more information on Impervious Cover Limitations, please visit Chapter 11 of the Unified Development Code

Is my address in the city limits?