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Plan review and operating permits for water recreation facilities

Plan Review

When is plan review needed for water recreation facilities?

Plan review is required prior to construction work for new water recreation facilities and modification to existing facilities. Modifications may include but are not limited to changes to a different drain cover, barriers and decks, piping, pool equipment, restrooms, locker rooms, lighting, and ventilation systems and pool resurfacing.

Facilities exempt from Public Health plan review and permit requirements are:

  • Single family residence pools and spas (for sole use of family and invited guests).
  • Therapeutic water facilities operated exclusively for physical therapy (under the care of a licensed medical practitioner).
  • Saunas and steam baths.

Process to apply for plan review

Only registered architects and registered professional engineers licensed in the State of Washington are qualified to design and prepare plans.

Documentation you may need to submit during the plan review process include:

  • Plan review application (157 KB)
  • Pool Data Form (252 KB): submit prior to beginning construction, modification, or alteration
  • Construction Report of WRF (261 KB): upon completion of facility construction or modification and before use, submit this form through the Public Health Permit Center.
  • You may be required to submit a variance request as part of plan review. This can be done in the Public Health Permit Center.

Operating permits

When are operating permits needed for water recreation facilities?

Operating permits are required for all water recreation facilities regulated in King County.

Types of operating permits:

  • Water recreation facility regular annual operating permit
  • Non-recirculating spray pool operating permit
  • Water recreation facility “not in use” operating permit

The operating permit year is from June 1 of the purchase year to May 31 of the following year.

If the facility is back-filled (decommissioned by demolishing the facility) by June 1, the facility does not need to obtain an operating permit. This must be verified by the area investigator, who will conduct an inspection and take photo(s) of the backfilled pool/spa.

Process to apply for an operating permit

Apply to operate a water recreation facility in the Public Health Permit Center.

"Not in use" operating permits

Water recreation facilities that are not open from June 1 through May 31 of the following year may qualify for a “not in use” operating permit.

This change may be made only when the facility owner/operator is renewing their permit and only if the owner/operator agrees in writing, as part of the permit application submittal, to maintain all the operational standards and conditions of a "not in use" operating permit.

Apply for a “not-in-use" permit by filling out the below form and emailing it to KCPoolPlans@kingcounty.gov

Conditions for a "not in use" operating permit

  • The facility plans to backfill pool/spa within the year.
  • The facility is not open from June 1 the year of the “not in use” permit issuance to May 31 of the following year.
  • The facility must not be in a condition of physical deterioration, damage, or contain safety hazards requiring repair or reconstruction.
  • The barrier must be in compliance and the owner/operator shall prevent access and have prominent signage stating the facility is closed.
  • Owners/operators shall maintain the WRF so that it does not create a nuisance or disease hazard.
  • If the facility develops an ice layer, the owner/operator must install a safety cover meeting ASTM standard F1346-91 or the entire area must be closed.
  • Owners/operators shall maintain the facility under one of the following conditions:
    • The facility is covered with a safety cover meeting ASTM standard F1346-91 that is properly attached and in good condition; or
    • The facility meets water clarity standards as outlined under Table 111.2 of Appendix A, as referenced in WAC 246-260-111: or
    • The facility is empty (there’s no water in the basin) with no safety cover, and the main drains and bottom of the facility are visible at all times.

Additional forms related to plan review and operating permits

  • Plan Review Checklist for Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Requirements (125 KB)
    A checklist of items you will need to submit for plan review when building a new water recreation facility or making renovations to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
  • Supplemental Plan Review Guide for Renovation or Alteration of Existing WRF (16 KB)
    Prior to renovation or alteration (except for routine maintenance), a construction permit must be obtained through plan review and approval.
  • Plan Guide — Pool (55 KB)
    A checklist of items you need to review when designing and building your swimming pool including requirements for construction plans, your role as well as that of your designer and construction manager.
  • Plan Guide — Spas (54 KB)
    A checklist of items you need to review when designing and building your spa including requirements for construction plans, your role as well as that of your designer and construction manager.
  • Plan Guide — Spray Pool (55 KB)
    A checklist of items you need to review when designing and building your spray pool including requirements for construction plans, your role as well as that of your designer and construction manager.
  • Plan Guide — Wading Pool (56 KB)
    A checklist of items you need to review when designing and building your wading pool including requirements for construction plans, your role as well as that of your designer and construction manager.