How Burlington’s
Pool Application Works
Burlington reviews a residential pool through one online application that combines zoning, forestry and the pool enclosure. Here’s what it covers and what the City asks for.
Three approvals in one
You need a pool permit before installing a swimming pool, swim spa or hot tub in Burlington. The Combined Residential Swimming Pool Application covers:
- Zoning Clearance Certificate: location and setbacks.
- Forestry Approval (Tree Permit): trees on and near the property.
- Pool Enclosure Permit: fence and gates, under By-law 74-2005.
The application is online only, and the City won’t accept an incomplete one.
Where the pool can go
From Zoning By-law 2020, as summarized in the City’s pool checklist.
- Narrow lots: on lots under 12 m wide, pools go in the rear yard only.
- Wider lots: pools aren’t permitted in a required front yard or street side yard.
- In-ground pools: 1.5 m from a lot line or street line, measured from the inside wall of the pool.
- Above-ground pools: 1.5 m, plus 30 cm for every 30 cm the pool wall is above grade at the lot line.
- Pipelines: 3 m from the limit of a pipeline right-of-way.
- Heater and filter: at least 60 cm from side and rear lot lines, and not in a front yard.
- Septic: the pool stays 5 m from the septic system, including the weeping bed.
Trees and the tree permit
- Regulated trees: any tree on public property; private trees 20 cm in diameter or more; and endangered, threatened and heritage trees.
- Arborist report: needed where construction will injure a regulated tree, such as work inside its minimum tree protection zone, or where more than one tree is coming out.
- Tree declaration: if no regulated trees are affected, a photo of the pool area is mandatory.
- Shared or neighbour trees: a letter of agreement from the neighbour is required.
Minimum tree protection zones (SS12A)
Measured from the outside edge of the tree base toward the drip line.
| Trunk diameter | Minimum protection zone | Critical root zone |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 cm | 1.8 m | 1.8 m |
| 11–40 cm | 2.4 m | 4.0 m |
| 41–50 cm | 3.0 m | 5.0 m |
| 51–60 cm | 3.6 m | 6.0 m |
| 61–70 cm | 4.2 m | 7.0 m |
| 71–80 cm | 4.8 m | 8.0 m |
| 81–90 cm | 5.4 m | 9.0 m |
| 91–100+ cm | 6.0 m | 10.0 m |
Where the City requires tree protection hoarding before work starts, our sister service Rockback Tree Protection installs it to SS12A.
The application package
- A legal survey signed by an Ontario Land Surveyor
- A site plan of the proposed pool, drawn to scale in metric
- The Site Alteration Permit Screening Information Form
- An arborist report and Tree Protection Plan, where trees will be affected
- Approvals from outside agencies where they apply: Conservation Halton, Burlington Hydro, a pipeline operator, the Niagara Escarpment Commission or the Ministry of Transportation
What the site plan shows
- North arrow, metric scale, street name and address, property lines and lot width, and easements
- The house and any accessory buildings or structures
- Pool size, shape and type, its location and setbacks, and its height above grade if on-ground or above-ground
- Heater and filter location and setbacks, and overhead hydro wires
- Fence materials and height, and gates marked self-closing / self-latching
- Every tree on the lot and within 6 m of the property lines, with size and species, and protection zones dimensioned
- Tree and root protection hoarding, and every construction activity: excavation, access route, material storage, fill and grade changes
From submission to approval
- 01
Submit
Gather every document, then apply online.
- 02
Completeness
The City checks the package and may ask for more documents.
- 03
Review
Once complete, the file gets a number and fees, and goes to Zoning, Building and Forestry.
- 04
Approval
After every department signs off, the City issues the Residential Swimming Pool Approval.
The City reviews applications in the order they’re received.
Combined application FAQ
Can I submit on paper?
No. The City currently takes the combined pool application online only.
Does a hot tub need this application?
A hot tub or swim spa with 8 m² or more of water surface does. Smaller hot tubs have a separate hot tub permit.
Do I need a separate zoning certificate?
No. Zoning clearance is part of the combined application.
Which trees count?
Any tree on public property, and private trees 20 cm in diameter or more, plus endangered and heritage trees. The plan shows all trees on the lot and within 6 m of the property lines.
What if my lot is near a conservation area, hydro or a pipeline?
You may need approval from that agency too: Conservation Halton, Burlington Hydro, the pipeline operator, the Niagara Escarpment Commission or the Ministry of Transportation, depending on the property.
Ready to start your Burlington pool application?
Tell us about the property and the pool, and we’ll quote a drawing package for Burlington’s combined application.
From the City’s own documents
- Pool Permits: City of Burlington
- Zoning, Forestry and Pool Enclosure Checklist (PDF): City of Burlington
- Combined Residential Swimming Pool Application (online form)
- Zoning By-law 2020, Part 1 (PDF): City of Burlington
- Pool By-law 74-2005 (PDF): City of Burlington
Requirements summarized from the City of Burlington’s own documents. Your approved drawings and the City’s review always take precedence; check the City’s current documents before you apply.