Swimming Pools

As of January 21st, 2025, the City of Sanford, the Town of Broadway, and Lee County are now utilizing a central intake system to process permit applications for residential construction projects.

New residential accessory building projects require a Residential Project Application Packet and should be submitted directly through the CSS Self-Service Portal. An accurate and clearly legible site plan must also be submitted. A to-scale site plan completed by a licensed land surveyor is always encouraged, and may be required in certain circumstances. Single-family homes include all site- or stick-built homes, modular homes, and manufactured homes.

General Information

  • All residential zoning districts permit the use of swimming pools as a customary accessory use associated with single-family homes, provided that the swimming pools are installed in compliance with all applicable codes and standards
  • A building permit is required for the construction/installation of any in-ground swimming pool and for any above-ground swimming pool greater than 24 inches deep.
  • Further information can be found by referring to the NC Residential Building Code
  • Swimming pools are reviewed and approved separately from any other accessory structures, such as decks, pool houses, etc.

Underground Utilities

Before you begin installation of an in-ground pool, be sure to contact NC 811 to verify the location of underground utilities like gas lines, internet, cables, etc. NC 811 will respond to your home and assist in locating underground utilities on your property.

Permit Application Review Process

This process is for any new accessory building.

  • Complete the Residential Project Application Packet
  • Prepare a site plan illustrating the complete footprint of the new accessory building
    • The site plan should also include:
      • the distance between the structure and the front, rear, and side property lines
      • the location of the proposed or existing driveway
      • the location of the proposed or existing septic tank (if applicable)

Submit your completed Residential Project Application Packet and Site Plan online using the CSS Self-Service Portal.

If your property is served by a private septic system you will need to contact the Lee County Environmental Health Department immediately after you submit your packet through the portal. A separate submittal through Lee County Environmental Health is required. Please contact the Lee County Environmental Health Department at 919-718-4641 or envhealth@leecountync.gov.

Applications and more information are available at the Lee County Environmental Health Department webpage.

Swimming Pool Site Plan img

Helpful Information for Applicants

Minimum Building Setbacks

A minimum building setback is the minimum distance a structure can be built from a property line. In other words: how far a structure must be set back from a property line. Minimum building setbacks will vary by zoning district, so be sure to check the Lee County GIS Interactive Map to find your zoning district, or contact the Department of Community Development (zoning@sanfordnc.net or 919-718-4656) for further information.

If your proposed new swimming pool is within five feet of a minimum setback line (e.g., if the minimum building setback is 15 feet and your new home is between 15 and 20 feet away from the property line) then you must either have a to-scale site plan completed by a licensed design professional (surveyor, civil engineer, landscape architect) or have a licensed surveyor locate the corners of your property and verify that setbacks are met with the Community Development Department in writing (email is preferred).

Easements

Please be aware of any easements located on your property and be sure they're located before starting construction of your home. Click here for more information on easements.