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Backyard pool enclosure permits in Whitby, Ontario
Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Apply for Whitby’s pool enclosure permit before installing a pool deeper than 0.6 metres. The current application fee is $485 and the town lists five to seven business days for processing.
Key information
Apply for Whitby’s pool enclosure permit before installing a pool deeper than 0.6 metres. The current application fee is $485 and the town lists five to seven business days for processing.
On this page
Check approvals before buying equipment at a glance
- Read the Pool Enclosure Guide and prepare the online application
Read the Pool Enclosure Guide and prepare the online application. Check your subdivision, septic system and conservation-authority status.
- For an unassumed subdivision, provide developer permission
For an unassumed subdivision, provide developer permission. A property with a septic system needs Durham Region approval. A CLOCA-regulated property needs its approval. Site-plan agreements can restrict pools too.
- Apply before construction
Apply before construction, pay the fee and complete the required enclosure and inspections. Cash, cheque and debit are listed; cheques are payable to the Town of Whitby.
Sources: Backyard pool permits and fences
Core enclosure requirements
| Item | Minimum or rule |
|---|---|
| Fence and gate height | 1.2 m |
| Pool water edge to enclosure | 1 m |
| Nearest building setback | 1 m |
| Gate hardware | Self-closing hinges and self-latching device |
| Gate latch | Inside the fence |
| Unsupervised pool | Gates locked |
Sources: Backyard pool permits and fences
Check approvals before buying equipment
- Read the Pool Enclosure Guide and prepare the online application. Check your subdivision, septic system and conservation-authority status.
- For an unassumed subdivision, provide developer permission. A property with a septic system needs Durham Region approval. A CLOCA-regulated property needs its approval. Site-plan agreements can restrict pools too.
- Apply before construction, pay the fee and complete the required enclosure and inspections. Cash, cheque and debit are listed; cheques are payable to the Town of Whitby.
Sources: Backyard pool permits and fences
Special pools, covers and extra charges
A qualifying hard-sided above-ground pool with walls at least 1.2 m high and no nearby climbing aids may use its walls as the enclosure, but still needs a pool permit. Ask the town to assess the design.
A hot tub or swim spa with a secure rigid cover kept locked whenever unused does not need the surrounding pool fence under this guidance. Do not extend that exception to an uncovered spa.
Cancellation returns 40% of the permit fee. Constructing before approval attracts a $648 violation fee instead of the standard fee. West Whitby has a separate 0.6 m lot-line setback for pool equipment.
Sources: Backyard pool permits and fences
Questions and answers
How deep can a pool be before enclosure rules apply?
The town’s threshold is deeper than 0.6 m.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
How long is permit processing?
Five to seven business days are listed.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
What is the standard fee?
$485. Cash, cheque and debit are accepted.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
What if construction begins without approval?
The town lists a $648 violation fee instead of the normal enclosure fee.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
Can I get a full permit-fee refund?
No. The stated cancellation refund is 40%.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
Does a new subdivision need an extra letter?
If not assumed by the town, developer permission is required.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
What if my property uses septic?
Provide Durham Region approval for the pool.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
Can an above-ground pool wall replace a yard fence?
Possibly, if the hard-sided wall is at least 1.2 m and there are no nearby climbing aids. A permit still applies.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
How should gates close?
They need functioning self-closing hinges, self-latching devices and latches inside the enclosure.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
Can a locked hot-tub cover replace fencing?
The guidance permits a secure rigid cover kept locked whenever the hot tub or swim spa is unused.
Source: Backyard pool permits and fences
Sources: Backyard pool permits and fences