Swimming pool rules in Falmouth, Maine
Yes, with a swimming pool permit from Falmouth Code Enforcement. Only prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep skip the building permit. The application requires a plot plan showing distances to property lines, the manufacturer's information, and the location and details of the required pool fence. Setbacks must be confirmed with staff, and electrical work and decks need separate permits.
| Permit exemption | Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep [1] |
| Required with application | Plot plan with distances to property lines; manufacturer's information; fence location and details [2] |
| Pool enclosure | Fence required; the application cites a state requirement that pools be enclosed (details not in our sources) [2] |
| Setbacks | Verify with Code Enforcement staff before applying (not stated in our sources) [3] |
| Electrical work and decks | Separate electrical application and separate building application [3] |
| Building code enforced | MUBEC, including the 2021 International Residential Code [4] |
Do you need a permit?
Falmouth's Code Enforcement office says building permits aren't required for prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep [1]. Deeper pools, whether above-ground or in-ground, go through the town's Swimming Pool Permit Application.
What the application asks for
You must submit a plot plan showing the pool and any decks with their distances to property lines, the pool manufacturer's information, and the fence location and details. The form refers to a state requirement that swimming pools be enclosed [2], but we couldn't confirm which law it means or what that law requires. The form tells applicants to verify setback limits for the pool or other accessory structures with staff before submitting. All electrical work needs a separate electrical application, and a deck needs its own building application [3]. Periodic inspections are required during the work [5], and approvals from the Planning Board, Zoning Board or other departments may also apply [6].
Codes that apply
The town enforces the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, which includes the 2021 International Residential Code [4]. The application attaches the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's "Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools" as a guide for fence design. That is federal guidance, not a local rule.
What we couldn't review
Falmouth's own Swimming Pools ordinance (Ch. II-15) and the zoning setback rules are only in the town's online code, which we couldn't access. We can't tell you the exact fence height, gate requirements or setback distances, or whether hot tubs are treated the same way. Ask Code Enforcement for those before you buy or dig. If the pool is near the water, it's a structure under shoreland zoning and must meet those setbacks too.
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Next steps
- Call Code Enforcement (207-699-5310) to confirm the setbacks and fence requirements for your lot.
- Prepare a plot plan showing the pool, decks and fence with distances to property lines, plus the manufacturer's specifications.
- Submit the Swimming Pool Permit Application, and file separate electrical and deck building applications.
- Schedule the required inspections during installation.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit for a pool in Falmouth, Maine?
- Yes, a swimming pool permit from Falmouth Code Enforcement. Only prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep skip the building permit; deeper above-ground and in-ground pools go through the Swimming Pool Permit Application.
- Does a pool need a fence in Falmouth, Maine?
- Yes. The application requires the fence location and details and refers to a state requirement that pools be enclosed. The exact fence height and gate requirements weren't in the sources reviewed, so ask Code Enforcement (207-699-5310) before you buy or dig.
- What are the pool setbacks in Falmouth, Maine?
- It depends, and the distances weren't in the sources reviewed. The application tells applicants to verify setbacks with Code Enforcement staff before submitting, and a pool near the water must also meet shoreland zoning setbacks.
- What do I need to submit for a pool permit in Falmouth, Maine?
- A plot plan showing the pool and any decks with distances to property lines, the manufacturer's information, and the fence location and details. Electrical work needs a separate electrical application, a deck needs its own building application, and periodic inspections are required during the work.
- Do hot tubs need a permit in Falmouth, Maine?
- Unclear. The sources reviewed don't say whether hot tubs are treated the same way as pools, so ask Falmouth Code Enforcement (207-699-5310).
Maine state rules for pools
Building code (MUBEC): Maine's statewide building code adopts the 2021 International Residential Code, effective April 7, 2025. It must be enforced in towns with more than 4,000 residents. Smaller towns may choose to enforce it. Where it's enforced, your code officer applies the code's pool and spa provisions, including barrier (fence and gate) requirements, along with any town permit rules.
- Maine did not adopt the IRC appendix that covers pools (Appendix AG).
- State law lets a town adopt the pool-fencing standards in Appendix G of the 2009 IRC, without changes, even though it's outside the statewide code (10 M.R.S. §9724).
- So pool barrier rules depend heavily on your town: whether it enforces MUBEC, and whether it adopted the 2009 Appendix G fencing standards. Ask your code enforcement officer before you build.
Shoreland zone: A pool is a structure. Within 250 ft of a great pond, river, tidal water or wetland (75 ft of a stream), it must meet the shoreland setbacks, generally 100 ft from GPA great ponds and 75 ft from other waters. It also counts toward the 20% limit on non-vegetated lot coverage.
Hot tubs and spas follow the same code path as pools.
What the ordinance says
- Code Enforcement FAQ: When is a permit not required?, Code Enforcement - Permit Process FAQs (when a building permit is / is not required; codes enforced), p. 1
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
- Swimming Pool Permit Application, required items, Swimming Pool Permit Application (Code Enforcement Office), p. 1
____________ Plot plan (showing the location of the pool and decks as well as distance to property lines) ____________ Pool manufacturers information ____________ Fence location and details (MSRA §1632. Enclosure of swimming pool required. See attached guide for assistance)
- Swimming Pool Permit Application, Swimming Pool Permit Application (Code Enforcement Office), p. 1
Verify setback limitations for pool or accessory structures with staff prior to submittal. All electrical work taking place in relation to this project requires a separate electrical application. The construction of decks will require an separate building application.
- Code Enforcement FAQ: Which codes are used?, Code Enforcement - Permit Process FAQs (when a building permit is / is not required; codes enforced), p. 1
The Town of Falmouth enforces the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) as adopted under state statute. MUBEC is made up of the following codes and standards: 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
- Swimming Pool Permit Application, Swimming Pool Permit Application (Code Enforcement Office), p. 1
Periodic Inspections are required.
- Swimming Pool Permit Application, Swimming Pool Permit Application (Code Enforcement Office), p. 1
Please be aware that there may be other requirements such as approvals and conditions from the Planning Board, Zoning Board, or other departments that may apply to this project.