Key Takeaways
Miami-Dade claims that initial plan review and each rework review take 24 hours to 10 business days.
- In most cases, the entire process may take much longer because several departments are involved, and most applications require at least one round of revisions.
- It is vital to note that a complete set of plans, including PE-stamped plans and a site plan, is needed to avoid any delays. An approved pool permit is not the end because electrical and plumbing permits and inspections are required.
Planning a new pool in Miami-Dade County? The timeline to secure your permit will depend on your project specifics and application accuracy. Officially, Miami-Dade County Plan Review states that initial reviews and subsequent “reworks” each take 24 hours to 10 business days.
However, due to the need for simultaneous approvals from a pool of structural, electrical, and environmental (DERM) departments, the actual time needed for the Miami-Dade pool permit process is much higher. Given that any required correction adds successive 10-business-day review cycles to the process, the overall timeline can stretch significantly. Partnering with a licensed contractor is a great way to avoid unnecessary expenses deriving from errors and multiple revisions.
When Does Your Pool Project Need a Permit?
It depends on what you’re building or changing. A new inground pool always needs a permit, whatever the type, and the application goes in as a full package that includes PE-stamped engineering.
Remodeling is where it gets less clear. If the work is structural, you need a permit. Some cosmetic resurfacing work may not require the same permit as structural modifications, but homeowners should confirm the requirement for their specific project.
If you’re planning a build and aren’t sure which side your project falls on, your pool contractor can confirm it before any work starts.
What Does the Miami-Dade Pool Permit Process Look Like?
A permit is more than simply submitting an application and waiting for approval. Before construction can begin, the project needs the required plans, documents, and reviews.
For a typical new inground pool, the process involves:
- Preparing the pool plans and required documents
- Submitting the permit application
- County plan review
- Responding to corrections, if required
- Rework review of corrected documents
- Permit approval and issuance
- Required electrical and plumbing permits
- Inspections during construction
Miami-Dade County reviews submitted plans for compliance with the Florida Building Code, Miami-Dade County Code, and applicable municipal requirements. Electronic plan review can allow multiple departments to review a project at the same time.
How Long Does a Miami-Dade Pool Permit Take?
The pool permit timeline comes down to the details of your project, how accurate your application is, and how it gets routed between departments.
Miami-Dade County’s Plan Review guidelines put the first review at anywhere from 24 hours to 10 business days, depending on the permit type and how complex the project is. Depending on the project, multiple review areas may be involved, including structural, zoning, electrical, and environmental review through the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (DERM). Often the full wait ends up longer than that first window.
When the above departments have requested changes, the County says that the “review of corrected documents may take an additional 24 hrs to 10 business days after submittal”. Most applications require one or more cycles of corrections anyway, so those periods of time add up.
It’s a good idea to keep the time of the official plan review separate from the other processes related to the project. Getting the plans prepared, gathering all of the engineering documents, dealing with corrections, getting related municipal permits processed and inspections passed are all different steps.
Working with a licensed contractor makes Miami’s electronic plan (ePlan) system easier to handle, keeps you compliant, and cuts down on costly mistakes and extra revisions. For the most current requirements, homeowners can review Miami-Dade County Swimming Pool Permits information.
What Does Miami-Dade County Require for a New Pool Permit?
One of the easiest ways for a homeowner to avoid unnecessary delays is to make sure the application package is complete before submission.
For a new inground swimming pool, the application package may include:
- A completed Building Permit Application
- Total pool square footage
- A Contact Sheet
- Detailed drawings
- A site plan showing the pool location
- Structural dimensions
- Electrical and plumbing connection details
- Required calculations
- Drawings signed and sealed by an architect or engineer
The county specifically notes that incomplete or illegible applications and documents will not be accepted.
That is important because a delay can happen before the formal review even gets underway if the submission is missing required information.
What If Miami-Dade Requests Corrections?
Receiving corrections does not necessarily mean there is a major problem with your pool project.
It means the submitted plans need changes or additional information before they can meet the applicable requirements.
The general sequence is:
Plan submitted → Review → Corrections requested → Plans revised → Rework review → Approval or additional corrections
Before submitting the application, homeowners should confirm with their pool contractor who will monitor the permit status and respond to any corrections requested by the reviewing department.
Miami-Dade County allows applicants to check permit and plan status using the applicable online services and process information.
Does the Pool Permit Mean Construction Can Start?
Not necessarily.
Miami-Dade County states that once a swimming pool permit is issued, subsidiary electrical and plumbing permits are also required.
Before construction begins, confirm with your contractor which permits are included in the project and who is responsible for obtaining them.
What About Pool Safety Barriers?
A new pool also needs to meet applicable pool barrier requirements.
Miami-Dade County states that new pools, spas, and hot tubs must have a permanent barrier. The county’s requirements generally call for the top of the barrier to be at least 48 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, along with additional requirements that depend on the barrier and property.
Because barrier requirements can involve county, state, and building-code provisions, it is important to have the pool plans prepared with the applicable requirements in mind.
You can review the county’s current Swimming Pool Permit requirements before starting your project.
Planning a New Pool in Miami-Dade County?
The Miami-Dade pool permit process is easier to manage when the plans, documents, related permits, and inspections are considered from the beginning. If you are still planning your pool, start with our new pool construction services to discuss your project and the steps involved.
Get in touch with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get a pool permit in Miami-Dade County?
Miami-Dade County states that initial plan review can take anywhere from 24 hours to 10 business days. If it is found that corrections and revisions need to be made, another 24 hours to 10 business days may be needed for rework review. The total pool permit timeline may depend on the project at hand and the approvals needed.
2. What are some of the reasons why Miami-Dade pool permits take a long time?
Incomplete documentation, corrections during plan review, and complexity of the project can add on to the time of the process. Having a complete application, plans, site plan, calculations and other required information can prevent unnecessary delays.
3. Can work on my pool commence as soon as the permit is approved?
Not exactly. Miami-Dade County states that in addition to the swimming pool permit, subsidiary electrical and plumbing permits are also needed. Additionally, required inspections must also take place.
4. Can I track my Miami-Dade permit?
Yes, Miami-Dade County has online resources through which one can track permits and plans and manage aspects of the permits.
