1. Complete general application form:
    a) Owner and applicants’ signature on permit application.
    b) Fencing requirement disclosure must be signed by homeowner and pool company representative and submitted with application.
    c) All electrical work must be inspected by an Electrical Inspection Agency and the cut card must be sent to Buckingham Township.

2. Submit two (2) complete sets of drawings. Drawings must include the following details:

• A registered Pennsylvania Design Professional must sign and seal the design of all inground swimming pools.
• Provide a plot plan of the parcel indicating lot lines, existing structures, proposed pool and pool deck location and dimensions, setback distances from the pool to the side and rear lot lines, pool water elevation, grading and contouring lines for the area of construction. Wetlands, flood plains, streams, wooded areas, and steep slopes must be indicated on the plan. The plot plan must be signed and sealed by a Pennsylvania registered Design Professional.
• If the total area of earth disturbance is over 1,000 square feet you must obtain approval from the Bucks County Conservation District (215-345-7577). Approval must be submitted with your application.
• If the pool, spa, or hot tub is going to be located on a deck, a Pennsylvania registered Structural Engineer must inspect and design the deck to support the additional load.
• A detail of the pool construction must be submitted.
• The height of the diving board above the water line, the depth of the water, the dimensions of the pool, the slopes of the bottom and walls. Click here for Diving Board Specifications.
• Stair and handrail details.
• Locations of the no diving signs for pools without diving boards.
• Suction outlet and drain covers must meed ANSI/ASME A112.19.8M.
• A detail of the fence indicating the size, height, and type of fence.
• A detail of the gate indicating the size, height, type, swing, type of latch, and latch location.
• If the dwelling is utilized as part of the pool enclosure, submit a detail indicating the height and location of the door alarms. Submit manufacturers specifications for the door alarm.

3. Provide a plot plan of the property indicating lot lines, existing structures, proposed pool and pool deck location and dimensions, setback distances from the pool to the side and rear lot lines, pool water elevation, grading and contouring lines for the area of construction, fence location (proposed and/or existing) including gates, easements, natural resource features (wetlands, flood plains, streams, wooded areas, steep slopes). This plan must be sealed by a surveyor/engineer. Please note that for the purposes of enforcing Pennsylvania laws protecting streams and wetland areas you may have to also obtain the approval of the Bucks County Conservation District (215-345-7577).

4. Provide an engineered sealed drawing on the pool structure. The drawing is to include: NPSI pool type, minimum water surface shape, minimum contour of section through centerline of diving board, cross section steel arrangement, size and spacing, diving board length and location. This information is also required for type O pools excluding the diving board information. (IRC 2003, Chapter 41 appendix-G) 

5. On type O non-diving pools, a "No Diving" sign is to be placed in the pool area in a conspicuous location. The sign is to be permanently affixed to the deck, tile work, or fence. A sample of the sign is to be submitted with the building permit application. Furthermore, the sign location(s) is to be plotted on the plot plan.

6. Fencing - Click here to view 2003 IRC requirements.

7. All drain and suction outlets must be doubled with a minimum 36" separation. All suction outlet covers must comply with ANSI / ASME A112.19.8M. Click here to view 2003 IRC requirements.

8. Worker's Compensation must be submitted with Buckingham Township named as Certificate holder. See link to form below.

* Submit all items above with a completed Building Permit Application Form, Pool Fence "Necessity of Inspection" Form, and Worker's Compensation Insurance Coverage Information Form as a "package" to the Building Department at the township building. Links to these forms are at the end of this page.

The building permit fee for in ground pool is $307.00 ($225.00 for permit fee, $75.00 Zoning fee and $7.00 educational surcharge) and $750.00 escrow for fencing.

The building permit fee for an above ground pool/spa is $192.00 ($110.00 for permit fee, $75.00 Zoning fee and $7.00 educational surcharge) and $500.00 escrow for fencing/safety.

Click here for a list of the Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Required Inspections.

Any questions may be directed to the Department of Permits and Inspections, Buckingham Township @ 215-794-8836.

Directions for obtaining permit forms on-line

The following forms may be filled in on-screen, printed out, signed and delivered to the Township building. Note: The information will remain displayed on your computer until you shut off your computer and re-start. The information is only displayed on your very own computer, it will NOT appear on anyone else's computer when they open the form from the internet. Information is stored in a temporary file within your computer's memory.

These forms are opened using Adobe Acrobat. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader program installed, you may go to the Adobe Acrobat website, and download it for free. Click on the Adobe Acrobat icon displayed on the far left, at the bottom of our Contents listing.

FORMS (please be patient.. these forms can take a minute to open)

Click here for the Building Permit Application Form

Click here for the Worker's Compensation Insurance Coverage Form

Click here for a list of Electrical Inspection Agencies