Pool Permit Requirements
Due to the many questions we receive regarding pool permit requirements in the months leading up to summer, the Building Department and Zoning Office have put together this joint response to answer most of the commonly asked questions.
Please note that while the Zoning Ordinance specifies that pools greater than 10' in length or diameter OR greater than 3' in height require a Building Permit; the State requires that any pool greater than 24" in height, temporary or permanent, obtain permits from the Building Department.
Zoning Information:
There are numerous requirements if you're looking to add a pool on your property. For starters, the application would have to start with the Building Department if the pool is greater than 24" (inches) in height.
From the zoning perspective, you'll need to include a zoning permit application with your building application along with a $75.00 fee. In addition, we will need two property surveys. One copy should accurately illustrate existing conditions on your property while the second should illustrate the size of the pool and its proposed location.
All pools are required to adhere to the following:
- Pools must be at least 10 feet from your house;
- Pools must be at least 15 feet from the rear and side property lines;
- Pools must be appropriately screened and fenced so as to not negatively affect adjoining properties;
- Lighting which extends hours of operation cannot be installed with the exception of in-pool lights;
- Pool equipment must be at least 5 feet from any property line;
- Pools must be at least five feet from any shed, garage, or swing-set;
- Pools count towards your total impervious coverage on your property. Each property has a maximum allowance of impervious coverage which varies by zoning district and is based on a percentage of your total property size;
- Any pool greater than 300 square feet in size must undergo Engineering review for compliance with the Township's Stormwater Management ordinance.
Guidelines for pools in the Land Use Ordinance can be found in Section 255-38B of the Township Code.
Building Information:
As stated above, all applications begin with the submission to the Building Department. Your zoning application must be included within the building application, and the Building Department will then begin the process, including forwarding the application to all appropriate departments for prior approvals.
The NJ Division of Codes and Standards, requires any pool with a water depth of greater than 24” to comply with the same requirements as a permanent above-ground pool. This means that even if your pool is temporary, you will need to adhere to the same code requirements as if you were doing a permanent installation.
The Cranford Building Department has created a handout which details swimming pool requirements, whether the pool is above-ground or in-ground. The handout includes information on safety requirements, electrical requirements, etc.
When submitting your application, please be sure to include all of the following information:
- Construction Jacket
- Building Subcode Application
- Electrical Subcode Application
- Plumbing Subcode Application
- Fire Subcode Application (if installing a gas heater)
- Manufacturer specs on the pool
- Manufacturer specs on the filter
- Manufacturer specs/brochure on the ladder enclosure
- Specs on any other equipment that may be installed
PLEASE NOTE: Installation of any pool without permits, including the installation of a temporary pool, will result in a penalty of up to $8,000.00
If there are any further questions, please contact the appropriate department, and your questions will be answered.
SUBMISSION PROCESS:
Applicant's may either drop of applications in person at the Building Department, or mail them to the below address:
Cranford, NJ 07016
Should you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact us at any time.
Frank Genova
Construction Official
Kathleen Nemeth
Zoning Officer
Ruth Nicholas
Assistant Zoning Officer
Updated October 5, 2022