This content is intended for the public covered by the exceptions of the Charter of the French language and its regulations. If you read on, you confirm that you fall within one of these exceptions.
Swimming pool and spa
A permit is required to install or move a swimming pool. This permit, also called a certificate of authorization, is essential to ensure public safety and prevent risks, by requiring that all installations comply with the applicable municipal and provincial standards.
Types of swimming pools that require a permit
The following types of swimming pools require a permit:
- In-ground and semi-in-ground pools
- Above-ground pools
- Portable pools
- Spas and water basins with a depth of 60 cm or more: All installations with a depth reaching 60 cm (2 feet) or more require a permit.
Fee
$82
Application for a permit
Before submitting your permit application, please make sure that you have all the required documents and that you check the applicable regulations and plan the location of your installation.
1 – Read the applicable standards
To learn more about the safety standards applicable to the installation of a swimming pool, please read the following information sheets. They will help you determine the safest location for your pool or spa and the access platform.
2 – Choose the location for the swimming pool
Identify a location that is compliant with the applicable regulations. The swimming pool must meet certain clearance requirements in relation to fences, buildings, and other installations on your property.
3 – Prepare a layout plan
Draft a precise plan for your project. The plan should include the following details:
- Location of the swimming pool in relation to the building and property limits
- Existing trees and trees to be felled with their diameter breast height (tree trunk diameter at 1.3 m from the highest ground level)
- Distance from property limits
- Distance from all permanent structures
- Location and height of enclosure
If the pool is located in a flood plain or a riverside area, the layout plan must be drafted by a land surveyor and must include:
- The level of the ground floor in relation to the 1 in 100-year flood event standard
- The location of any waterway or lake
- The limit of the high-water line, the shoreline and the low- and high-velocity current zones as determined by a biologist
- Geodetic altitude of the property
4 – Gather the necessary documents
Make sure you have the required documents:
- Completed and signed application form for swimming pools and spas (PDF, 466 ko)
- Layout plan to scale prepared by the applicant or the land surveyor
- Mandatory certificate of location prepared by the land surveyor.
The plan must represent the existing situation and be recent.
In flood plains or riverside areas:- Identify the shoreline
- Identify flood levels
- Delineate flood zones, the special intervention zone (ZIS) and the highest known flood levels (PHEC)
- Photo of the yard where the swimming pool will be installed. Please include photos of the backyard, balcony and back wall showing the openings (doors and windows)
- Power of attorney (PDF, 38 Ko) – if you are not the owner
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can apply for a permit to install a swimming pool.
After submitting your permit application
You will receive an email concerning the status of your application within five business days.
- If your application is complete: You will receive a file number and an account statement, which you must pay on receipt.
- If your application is incomplete: You will receive a notice of refusal, including a list of missing documents. You will then have to submit a new application with all the required documents.
Pay your permit application fee using the online Permit/Certificate Payment service.
Wait until you have received your permit before starting the work.
Display your permit for the duration of the work. It must be visible from the street. In addition, secure your work site to minimize the risk of accidents and drowning.
During the visit, the inspector will assess whether the work is compliant.
Good to know
If you cannot submit your permit application online, you may submit it in person at:
Service de l’urbanisme
1333 Boulevard Chomedey
Ground floor
Laval QC H7V 3Z4
Please make an appointment before visiting the office.
During your work, you may discover archaeological remains (structures or objects) on your property.
Quebec’s Cultural Heritage Act requires anyone who discovers an archaeological object or remains to report it to the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications immediately.
There are three ways to report your archaeological find:
- Complete the notice of discovery form (in French) available on the Quebec government website.
- Call the regional directorate for Laval, Lanaudière and the Laurentians of the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications at 450 430-3737.
- Send an email to [email protected].
