Before you dig, you need approval from the city. Here's what Cedar Rapids Building Services requires for pool permits, from site plans to barrier inspections.
Every inground pool and most above-ground pools in Cedar Rapids require a building permit from the Building Services Department at the City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW. The permit fee is $60 for a swimming pool. If you're in unincorporated Linn County instead of city limits, the county charges $340 for inground and $103 for above-ground pools.
You need a site plan showing your lot boundaries, existing structures, where the pool will sit, distances to property lines, and the location of the required safety barrier. The city also requires separate permits for the electrical work, plumbing, and any decks or structures you add. A licensed contractor must pull those trade permits unless you're a homeowner doing the work yourself at your primary residence.
Permits are good for one year. If the job takes longer, you'll need to renew. You can submit your application by email to residential@cedar-rapids.org, or drop it off in person. Allow 24 to 48 hours for the city to process the paperwork.
Cedar Rapids requires a barrier at least 48 inches tall completely surrounding the pool. That barrier needs self-closing, self-latching gates. The city won't issue a final approval until the barrier is in place and passes inspection, and you cannot fill the pool before that inspection.
These rules apply whether you install inground or above-ground. The inspector checks that the barrier meets code before you're allowed to use the pool. If you're close to a property line, setback requirements may limit where you can place the pool, so check with the Development Services zoning staff early in your planning.
The city requires multiple inspections as the work progresses. For inground pools, you need a footing inspection before you pour concrete. Electrical rough-in must be inspected before you cover the bonding grid and rebar. The barrier gets its own inspection once it's complete. Finally, you need a final inspection before you can use the pool.
Schedule inspections by calling 319-286-5831 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or emailing InspectionRequests@cedar-rapids.org. You can also request inspections through the city's online portal. Keep your approved plans on site during every inspection. If you start work without permits or skip an inspection, you risk having to redo work or pay penalties.
If your property is near the Cedar River or in a mapped floodplain, additional restrictions apply. The 2008 flood reached a record 31.12 feet and flooded more than 10 square miles of the city. Portions of downtown, May's Island, and neighborhoods near the river fall within the 100-year FEMA floodplain. Building in those areas requires meeting elevation standards and using flood-resistant materials.
The city's soil is mostly silty clay loam, which drains slowly and can shift when saturated. After the 2020 derecho brought 140 mph winds and heavy rain to Cedar Rapids, many properties dealt with drainage problems and saturated ground. A qualified pool contractor will know how to handle local soil conditions, but it's worth asking how they plan to manage drainage and backfill on your lot.
These rules can change, so verify current requirements with Cedar Rapids Building Services at 319-286-5831 or check the city website at cedar-rapids.org before you start.
Also in our network: Basement Waterproofing Cost in Cedar Rapids, IA (2024 Guide), Concrete Costs in Cedar Rapids IA: What Homeowners Pay in 2024.
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