Scottsdale's rule decides whether a pool needs a permit. The Permit Services page, retrieved 2026-08-18 (city last updated 2026-05-21), is the source for what follows.
Quick answer
Yes for a new swimming pool or spa. The city lists "Swimming pools or spas" under projects requiring a building permit.
No for demolishing a residential pool, per the demolition section of the same page. The Home Improvement page also lists "Demolishing or removing an in the ground pool/spa" as a minimum demo permit that is not available online. Those two sentences disagree on whether a demo permit is required. Ask the One Stop Shop (480-312-2500) before you tear one out.
What the city does say about process
Pool, fence, wall, and sign plan reviews are listed at 5 days administrative and 5 days substantive on the Plan Review Services page. That is the city's published review window, not a guarantee of the day you get in the water.
Work completed without a required permit is fined an amount equal to double the permit fee, per Permit Services.
What it does not say
A dollar amount for a pool permit. The fee calculator tells you to call the One Stop Shop for swimming pool fees. We will not invent a number.
How this shows up in our data
A new pool in Scottsdale should produce a city permit. Firms on the Scottsdale pool ranking hold a pool construction class and have Scottsdale permit history. Service-and-repair class CR-6 is a different license from KA-5 / B-5 construction. Do not hire a service class for a new pool.
For the homeowner
Get the license number and the class in writing. Verify it on the ROC Contractor Search. Ask who pulls the building permit and whose name will be on it. The city applies through Scottsdale SPUR.