Pool Construction Permits in Newport News

Local Rule

City of Newport News Department of Codes Compliance

The city maintains its own dedicated Chapter 39, Swimming Pools, and follows the statewide Virginia threshold requiring a permit for any pool over 150 square feet or 24 inches deep. A real distinctive local exemption structure: fences of any height are generally exempt from a permit in Newport News, EXCEPT when used as a required swimming pool barrier, in which case a permit is always required regardless of fence height. The city publishes a dedicated Pool Barrier Requirements PDF among its guidelines and forms.

Source · Verified September 2026

Newport News Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Virginia Statewide

Virginia has no county government, so there is no county-level rule to compare against. Here is what applies at the state level instead:

Any pool more than 24 inches deep requires a permit and a compliant safety barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates (IRC R326 / ISPSC). Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep are exempt.

See the full state guide

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Newport News with a confirmed pool construction rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Meeting the pool safety code? Barrier and safety gear homeowners rely on:

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