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Plan review process and service fees

Preparing for Plan Review

Only registered architects and registered professional engineers licensed in the State of Washington are qualified to design and submit plans. The engineer or architect must also provide a construction report which verifies the project has been completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.

State or local health department plan review is a requirement for legal operation of a regulated water recreation facility. In situations where pool facilities have been constructed without the required plan approval, extensive retrofitting and/or complete removal of such facilities have been and may be necessary.

When are plans needed?

A construction permit Is required for swimming, spa, wading, and spray pools, float tanks, and cold plunge pools/spas. See "Water recreation forms and documentation" section below for form submission instructions.

A remodel construction permit is required for equipment replacements that are not like for like make and model #s, main drain and suction outlet covers changes, barrier and decking replacements, restroom, and locker room remodels.

Decorative fountains are often mistaken for spray pools but are typically designed to be part of landscape architecture. They are not designed for public entry and recreational bathing. If the public is entering a decorative fountain, it should be regulated, operated, and managed as a splash pool under WAC 246-260-081, or the public should be discouraged from entering (for example, with a barrier or signs).

Facilities exempt from plan review include:

  • Single family residence pools (for sole use of family and invited guests). Check with your local building department for plan review requirements. If located in unincorporated King County, please view the Private Swimming Pool or Spa Instructions and Worksheet (213 KB).
  • Therapeutic water facilities operated exclusively for physical therapy (under the care of a licensed medical practitioner). Such facilities are reviewed by Washington State Dept. of Health, Health Facilities Licensing, at 360-236-2944.

Plan guides for Water Recreation Facilities (WRF)

  • 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 — 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 — 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.
  • 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.

Application and report forms

Questions about Water Recreation Facility (WRF) operating permits

The Water Recreation Facility (WRFs) operating permit year is from June 1 of the purchase year to May 31 of the following year. All WRFs including Recreational Water Contact Facilities (RWCFs) regulated under Chapter 246-260 WAC and Chapter 246-262 WAC require an annual operating permit. Below are some FAQs about WRFs.

1. What if we decide we are not going to open our WRF from June 1 this year to May 31 next year?

If the WRF will remain closed from June 1 through May 31, you may renew the regular operating permit, or you may qualify for a WRF "not in use" operating permit.

2. What types of WRF operating permits are available?

  • WRF regular annual operating permits at $633.00
  • Non-Recirculating Spray Pool operating permits at $337.00
  • WRF "not in use" operating permits at $172.00
  • WRF regular operating permits obtained after Nov. 30th at 50% fee are only for newly constructed WRFs opening after Nov. 30th.

3. What is the overall cost of a WRF "not in use" permit?

The direct cost of the permit is $172.00.

4. When can I purchase a "not in use" operating permit?

The change to a WRF "not in use" operating permit 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 WRF "not in use" operating permit.

5. What are the operational standards and conditions to obtain and maintain a “not in use” operating permit?

  • The WRF must not be in a condition of physical deterioration, damage, or contain safety hazards requiring repair or reconstruction of the WRF. Examples of disqualifying conditions include, but are not limited to, large cracks or other significant openings in the WRF deck, walls, or foundation; uplifting of the WRF from the ground; or accumulation of stagnant water, vegetation, or debris in the WRF basin.
  • The barrier surrounding the WRF must be in compliance at all times with WAC 246-260-031 (4).
  • Owners/operators shall prevent access to the WRF by means of locked barriers. Exception: A WRF enclosure area has one or more pools with a regular operating permit in addition to a WRF with a "not in use" operating permit.
  • Owners/operators shall not open the WRF to bathers for use from June 1 of the year the "not in use" operating permit issuance to May 31 of the following year.
  • Owners/operators shall maintain the WRF so that it does not create a nuisance or disease hazard.
  • Owners/operators shall post prominent signage stating the WRF is closed.
  • If a WRF develops an ice layer, the owner/operator must install a safety cover meeting ASTM standard F1346-91 or the entire WRF area must be closed.
  • Owners/operators shall maintain the WRF under one of the following conditions:
    • The WRF is covered with a safety cover meeting ASTM standard F1346-91 that is properly attached and in good condition; or
    • The WRF meets water clarity standards as outlined under Table 111.2 of Appendix A, as referenced in WAC 246-260-111: or
    • The WRF is empty with no safety cover, and the main drains and bottom of the WRF are visible at all times.

6. Do I need to complete an Operational Standards and Conditions Acknowledgment Form and provide documentation in order to obtain a “not in use” operating permit?

Yes. The owner/operator must complete a WRF "Not in Use" Operational Standards and Conditions Acknowledgement Form. The acknowledgement form can be downloaded above. The acknowledgement form lists all the required operational standards and conditions to obtain and maintain a “not in use” permitted facility, along with the required photo documentation to be submitted. All completed forms and required documentation can be sent to electronically to KCPoolPlans@kingcounty.gov or mailed to our office at: Water Recreation Program, 401 5th Ave., Suite 1100, Seattle, WA 98104, Attn: Water Recreational Technical Senior. Applications will be evaluated for acceptance. Incomplete forms and documentation will not be accepted and will be returned for further instructions.

7. If I have a WRF "not in use" operating permit do I need to keep my WRF closed?

The WRF shall not be operated the entire year the "not in use" operating permit is held, from June 1 -May 31 of the following year. A WRF "not in use" operating permit is required until the WRF is either put back into operation after obtaining a regular operating permit or back filled.

8. What if the WRF is back-filled?

Please contact your local building department for any back-fill requirements that must be met.

9. What if the pool or spa will be back-filled by June 1?

If the WRF is back-filled by June 1, the facility need not obtain a WRF operating permit. After the pool is back-filled, the Owner/Operator shall contact their Health & Environmental Investigator to schedule a site visit to officially document the WRF was back-filled. Please contact our office at 206-263-9566 to obtain the designated Health & Environmental Investigator's name and phone number.

10. What if the pool or spa will be back-filled after June 1?

The Owner/Operator shall obtain a WRF operating permit. To make a change to a "not in use" operating permit, complete the "not in use" Operating Permit Agreement Form, noted above. After the pool is back-filled, the Owner/Operator shall contact their Health & Environmental Investigator to schedule a site visit to officially document the WRF was back filled. Please contact our office at 206-263-9566 to obtain the designated Health & Environmental Investigator’s name and phone number.

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