A planning permit may be required for construction of a pool or spa. 

Step 1 - Click on Whitehorse Maps to establish the zone and if there are any overlays on your property that will need to be taken into account prior to the preparation of plans in relation to your proposed pool or spa. The following overlays on a property may mean a planning permit is required prior to a building permit:

• Design and Development Overlay (DDO)
• Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO)
• Heritage Overlay (HO)
• Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO)
• Neighbourhood Character Overlay (NCO)
• Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO)
• Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO)
• Special Building Overlay (SBO)

Step 2 - Once you know which zone and overlay(s) affect your property refer to the relevant zone and overlay of the Whitehorse Planning Scheme.

Step 3 - It is highly that you obtain a current copy of title from Landata, to confirm if there are any other restrictions that apply to the property. Information to assist in obtaining a title is available at Request a Copy of Title.

Step 4 - It is recommended that you engage a professional such as an architect, draftsperson or planning consultant familiar with making planning applications to assist you in the preparation of the relevant documentation.

Step 5 - Prepare all relevant documentation.

Checklists have been prepared to assist in the preparation of the relevant documentation for common planning permits applications. It is recommended to check the relevant checklist under permit checklists prior to lodging an application.

Step 6 - Once you are ready to submit your application lodge and apply online.

If you would like written confirmation whether a planning permit is required please lodge a Planning Information Request. Refer to Fee Information to view the application fee for a Planning Information Request.

Refer to planning permit process for information about the phases of a planning permit application.

A building permit is required for the construction of all pools (including those above ground) and spas that are capable of containing a depth of water greater than 300 mm. 

All pools and spas must have safety barriers in accordance with government standards and regulation. If you don’t comply with the regulations, you risk the lives of family and friends as well as fines of up to $5000.  

A building permit is required for installing and altering all swimming pool and spa safety fences and barriers including windows, doors and gates that provide access to a pool or spa area.

Step 1 - It is recommended that you engage a professional familiar with making building permit applications to assist you in the preparation of the relevant documentation.

Step 2 - Obtain a Building Permit. It is recommended that you engage a professional familiar with building permit applications for a fence to assist you in the preparation of relevant documentation.  Refer to the building permit process for information about the appointment of a building surveyor and the phases of a building permit application.

Step 3 - Once you are ready to submit your application forward all documentation to your building surveyor. Part of your documentation will be a certification of the pool. 

Refer to building permit process for information about the phases of a building permit application.

If your building project does not meet a requirement of the Building Regulations 2018, you must obtain Council's report and consent before a building permit can be issued. Your appointed building surveyor cannot issue a building permit unless they are satisfied that any required report and consent has been obtained.

Step 1 - Once you are informed a report and consent due to noncompliance to the Building Regulations by your building surveyor refer to the report and consent checklist ( PDF 143.84KB) to ensure all relevant documentation is prepared and submitted.

Step 2 - Council will determine if notification to neighbouring properties is required.

Step 3 - The notification process can be undertaken by Council or you.

• If you decide to request Council to undertake the notification process on your behalf a request in writing must be made and payment of the fee.
• Information provided to adjoining neighbour owners must reflect the nature of the proposal and extent of noncompliance(s). Through the adjoining neighbour owners comments, it must be clear to Council’s assessing officer that neighbours understand the nature of the proposal, specific to the regulation.

Step 4 - Once you are ready to submit your application lodge and apply online.

For more information see the building permit process.

Property owners or contractors must obtain Consent to Build over Easement if planning to construct any building or structure, or, to excavate or over an easement.

Apply online for consent to Build Over Easements, or find out more information on the Drainage and Easement page.

Under the State Government regulations you will need to register your new pool with Council, providing the compliance certificate. 

You will then need to re-certify your pool or spa every 4 years.