Print

Project Checklists for Owner:
Outdoor Swimming Pool

This section contains a list of questions/tasks to help Owners, who are responsible for hiring professionals to provide compliance with the applicable Construction Codes and other regulations discussed in the Project Guidelines. These assignments should be made prior to beginning any construction activity. If you are unfamiliar with these regulations, you should reference the corresponding detailed section(s) of NYC Construction Code and other regulations referenced in this guide for more information.

Checklists include:

Initial Project Checklist

DO

  • Pre-Project: Hire a NYS licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) to ensure your project is Code and zoning compliant.
  • Site Survey: Hire a licensed Surveyor to provide a site survey showing all existing conditions.
  • Boring and Soil Percolation Test: Hire a licensed professional to perform the work, if required (for private on site disposal of drainage).
  • Project Plans: Only a Registered Design Professional can submit construction documents, including drawings and other submissions, to the Department for approval.
  • Project Work: Hire a licensed Contractor to perform the work. In addition to General Contractor, swimming pool installation may require additional trades and permits for plumbing and electrical work.
  • Post Permit: Ensure permit is posted in a conspicuous place at the work site for the duration of the work.
  • Provide Contact Information: Per DOB NOW, Owners must also provide their email address to the Department for correspondence, during submission, permit, inspections and final sign-off of the project.
  • Work Completion: Ensure the Contractor has completed Department inspections and obtained a sign-off to close out the completed work filed under the project permit, prior to sign-off.

DON’T

  • Work Without a Permit: Do not begin work without a DOB permit. Even if the application for work has been approved, property owners and the people performing work without a permit may face violations with penalties, court appearances, and civil or criminal penalties.

Get a printable version.

Prior to Application Approval Checklist

  • Hire a Registered Design Professional (RDP), P.E. or R.A., to consult and finalize scope of work.
  • Provide necessary information and consent to project submission requirements, and authorize the Registered Design Professional, who is the Applicant of Record, to submit project plans (construction documents) for approval by the Department.
  • Hire a licensed surveyor to provide a survey of existing conditions.

  • Project approval is required prior to beginning work.

    *Note: The owner is the individual or entity that owns the building/property, or the owner-authorized property management entity that represents the building for which an application is being filed. The Owner of the building/property is ultimately responsible for the project, and their signature/consent is required for submission of the project application by their design professional, and Department approval. The owner may attend plan examination appointments only if accompanied by the applicant or the Filing Representative.*

Get a printable version.

Pre-Permit & On-going Project Work Checklist

Pre-Permit

  • Licensed Contractor: Hire NYC Licensed/Registered Contractor to obtain work permit in order to begin work.
  • Special Inspections: If the scope of work requires, hire the required Special Inspection Agency (SIA) to perform Special/Progress Inspections.
  • Notify the Department: Prior to permit, provide the names of special inspection agency hired to do the Special Inspections, using an online submission.

On-going

  • Site Safety: Property Owners must maintain their properties in a safe condition during the course of work.

Get a printable version.

Project Completion Close-out Checklist

  • Special Inspections: If the scope of work requires, the contracted Special Inspection Agency hired must complete and submit results online to the Department.
  • Department Inspections: Make sure the Contractor has completed all Department of Buildings inspections and obtained a sign-off of the completed work.
  • Permit Sign-off: Confirm the Contractor has requested and passed a final sign-off inspection required by the Department.

Get a printable version.

Project Checklists for Owner Links

Helpful Links