Swimming pool rules in Wells, Maine
According to the Code Enforcement Office's pool brochure (town guidance, not ordinance text), you need a permit from the Wells Code Enforcement Office. The brochure lists the single-family fee as $140 plus $5 per $1,000 of pool cost; confirm the current fee with the town. The pool must meet the 2021 International Residential Code and pass a final inspection before anyone uses it.
| Permit fee (single-family) | $140 plus $5 per $1,000 of pool cost [3] |
| Code | 2021 International Residential Code [2] |
| Application must show | Scaled plot plan with setbacks, manufacturer's specs, decks/stairs with gate lock heights, fence heights [1] |
| Before use | Final inspection required [4] |
Source note
This comes from the Code Enforcement Office's New Swimming Pool / Hot Tub brochure, which is town guidance rather than ordinance text. We couldn't download Wells's Land Use Ordinance (Chapter 145), so the actual setback distances and any zoning rules for pools aren't covered here.
What the application needs
A complete pool or hot tub application includes a scaled site plan showing every structure and the front, side and rear setbacks. It also needs the manufacturer's specifications, all decks and stairs with the height of locks on gated areas, and fence heights [1]. The plot plan must show the lot's shape and size, the pool's footprint, and its distance from the actual property lines. Decks, porches, sheds, garages and other accessory structures must be drawn to scale as well.
Construction and barriers
The project must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code [2]. The brochure doesn't list the barrier rules themselves, but because the application asks for fence heights and gate-lock heights, expect the code officer to check your barrier. Internal and external plumbing need separate permits under the State Plumbing Code or the subsurface wastewater rules.
Fees and inspection
Pools are permitted under an accessory structure permit. The brochure lists the fee as $140 plus $5 per $1,000 of the pool's cost ($250 plus $5 per $1,000 for commercial) [3]. The brochure is undated, so check the town's current fee schedule. A final inspection is required before the pool can be used [4].
Hot tubs
The brochure treats hot tubs the same way as pools: same application, and the manufacturer's specifications are required.
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Next steps
- Prepare a scaled plot plan showing the pool, all structures, and the distances to every property line.
- Gather the manufacturer's specifications plus deck, stair, gate-lock and fence heights.
- Apply to the Wells Code Enforcement Office for an accessory structure permit, and get separate plumbing permits if needed.
- Schedule the final inspection before filling or using the pool.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit to build a pool in Wells, Maine?
- Yes. According to the Code Enforcement Office's pool brochure, you need a permit from the Wells Code Enforcement Office. Pools are permitted under an accessory structure permit, and hot tubs are treated the same way.
- How much is a pool permit in Wells, Maine?
- The brochure lists the single-family fee as $140 plus $5 per $1,000 of pool cost. The brochure is undated, so confirm the current fee with the town.
- What does a pool permit application need in Wells, Maine?
- A scaled site plan showing every structure and the setbacks, the manufacturer's specifications, all decks and stairs with the height of locks on gated areas, and fence heights.
- Does a pool need an inspection in Wells, Maine?
- Yes. The pool must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code and pass a final inspection before anyone uses it. We couldn't review the Land Use Ordinance, so setback distances aren't covered.
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
- New Swimming Pool brochure, application requirements, New Swimming Pool / Hot Tub Brochure, p. 1
• 1 copy of a legible site/plot plan to scale that shows all structures on the property and front, side and rear setbacks
- New Swimming Pool brochure, New Swimming Pool / Hot Tub Brochure, p. 1
THE PROJECT SHALL COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL 2021 RESIDENTIAL CODE
- New Swimming Pool brochure, fees, New Swimming Pool / Hot Tub Brochure, p. 1
Accessory Structure permit fee for single family: $140.00 plus $5.00 per thousand costs of pool
- New Swimming Pool brochure, New Swimming Pool / Hot Tub Brochure, p. 1
A final inspection must be done before the pool can be used.