Pools / Hot Tubs

General Requirements

• All residential zoning districts within the Town of Holly Springs planning jurisdiction allow for the placement of swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs subject to meeting the requirements of the North Carolina Residential Code and the Town of Holly Springs Unified Development Ordinance. 
• A Pool/Hot Tub Permit is required from the Town’s Development Services for any in-ground swimming pool, above ground swimming pool, spa or hot tub over twenty-four (24) inches in depth. 
• It is the property owner’s responsibility to check with their neighborhoods Home Owner Associations to ensure that they do not have more restrictive covenants or that they do not require additional approvals.
• You can apply for these permits on the Holly Springs CityView Portal.
• You may be eligible for a Swimming Pool Fill Adjustment on your Holly Springs Water Bill.  Swimming Pools that are filled one time between March and October may qualify a for a utility bill adjustment, contact Holly Springs Finance Department for additional details. This adjustment is for swimming pools only, hot tubs are not eligible for credit.

NC Residential Code

• All residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs are required to have a barrier restricting access. Please see the Section of NC Residential Code for information regarding fences and barriers for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. 
• Barrier Requirements for in-ground Swimming Pools
  • Fences designed to prevent persons, children, or animals from harm; equipped with a self-closing, self-latching gate; and be not less than: 
    • Four (4) feet in height if erected at grade measured on the side of the fence which faces away from the swimming pool; clearance between the fence and grade shall be a maximum of two (2) inches, and opening in the fence shall not allow passage of a 4” sphere.
• Access Gate
  • All pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing with a self-latching device.

Unified Development Ordinance Requirements

• Location
  • A swimming pool or hot tub as well as associated patios and equipment can be located in any side or rear yard and must meet the setbacks for the zoning district in which it is located. (UDO Section 2, Table 2.3.5-A) 
• Easements & Right of Way
  • Pools, hot tubs or other permanent structures cannot be placed on any right-of-way, utility easement (water, sanitary sewer, etc.), or greenway easement. Be cautious of underground utilities and easements from the electric, gas, phone, cable, etc. 

Before you begin construction, contact your local utility companies to mark the utilities on your property to avoid cutting lines. Or, contact One Call at 1 (800) 632-4949; they provide a free service of contacting all utility companies who will mark the utilities on your property. 

For Additional information regarding pools, hot tubs, or spas, please see UDO Section 3.4

Submittal Requirements

When applying for a pool, hot tub, or spa, you will be required to submit the following documents:

• Plot Plan showing the measurements from the proposed structure to the property lines.
• Fence/gate details for pools and/or cover/latch details for hot tubs
• You may be required to submit additional documentation depending on your project.

A plot plan is required for all permits. A plot plan is a detailed sketch, survey or other drawing of your property that clearly shows the property lines, any existing structures and the proposed project. Please clearly indicate your project setbacks (the distance your proposed project will be located from all property lines) on the plot plan. Contact us to obtain setback information for your property.