Before You Break Ground
Every town in Nassau County requires permits before a single shovel hits the ground on a pool project. The requirements, setbacks, fees, and processing times vary significantly from town to town — and failing to understand them before you start can cause costly delays or force expensive changes mid-project.
Here's what every Nassau County homeowner needs to know.
Important: Permit requirements change periodically. Always verify current requirements directly with your town's Building Department before starting a project. The information below reflects general requirements as of 2025 and should be used as a starting point, not a definitive guide.
Connecticut State Requirements — Apply Everywhere
Regardless of which town you're in, New York state law sets baseline requirements for all residential pools:
- Fencing: All residential pools must be enclosed by a fence at least 48 inches high with self-latching, self-closing gates. This is non-negotiable and is inspected before the pool can be used.
- Electrical: All pool electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician and inspected separately from the pool permit.
- Setbacks: Most towns require pools to be set back at least 10–15 feet from property lines, though this varies by municipality.
- Health Department: In towns with older septic systems, Health Department approval may be required if the pool is within a certain distance of the system.
Key Towns at a Glance
Great Neck
Great Neck has some of the most thorough permitting requirements in the county. In addition to a standard building permit, most pool projects require zoning approval. Setback requirements are strict — typically 15–25 feet from property lines — and the town pays close attention to drainage and environmental impact.
Coastal and waterfront properties face additional review. The Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Agency review may be required for properties near water bodies.
Typical processing time: 4–8 weeks
Manhasset / Town of North Hempstead
Pools in Manhasset fall under the Town of North Hempstead Building Department. A building permit, survey, and plot plan are required. The town requires setbacks of at least 10 feet from property lines and all fencing must meet NY state requirements.
Processing times can extend during peak spring season when permit volume is highest.
Typical processing time: 4–6 weeks
Port Washington / Town of North Hempstead
Port Washington falls under the Town of North Hempstead Building Department. A building permit, survey, and plot plan are required. Properties near Manhasset Bay may require additional environmental review. Health Department approval needed if pool is near a septic system.
Typical processing time: 4–6 weeks
Oyster Bay / Town of Oyster Bay
The Town of Oyster Bay has its own Building Department covering Cold Spring Harbor, Locust Valley, Brookville, and Mill Neck. Building permit, survey, and plot plan required. Large estate properties are common and builders experienced in the area know the process well.
Typical processing time: 4–6 weeks
Old Westbury / Village of Old Westbury
Old Westbury is an incorporated village with its own Building Department. Large estate lots are the norm here. Survey and plot plan required. Setbacks from property lines are strictly enforced. A builder familiar with the village's requirements will navigate the process efficiently.
Typical processing time: 3–5 weeks
Garden City
Garden City is an incorporated village with its own Building Department. Building permit and survey required. The village has well-established residential streets and a smooth permitting process for experienced builders. Standard setbacks and NY state fencing requirements apply.
Typical processing time: 3–5 weeks
White Plains
Building permit required. White Plains's process is generally straightforward. Properties near Long Island Sound or the Ash Creek area may face additional review. Standard setbacks and fencing requirements apply.
Typical processing time: 3–5 weeks
Yonkers & New Rochelle
Both cities require building permits. The more urban nature of these municipalities means smaller lots and tighter setback challenges are common. Processing times can be longer during busy seasons due to higher permit volume. Budget extra time if your project is in either city.
Typical processing time: 4–8 weeks
Hewlett, Woodmere & Lawrence
These Five Towns communities fall under the Town of Hempstead Building Department. Proximity to the South Shore waterways means some properties require additional environmental review. Standard building permit, survey, and plot plan required. Fencing inspection required before pool use per NY state law.
Typical processing time: 3–5 weeks
What a Good Builder Handles for You
One of the most important reasons to work with an experienced local pool builder is permit expertise. A builder who has worked extensively in Nassau County knows the local inspectors, understands the common sticking points in each town, and knows how to prepare a permit application that moves through the process efficiently.
A reputable builder will:
- Pull all required permits on your behalf
- Prepare and submit all required documentation
- Coordinate any required agency reviews (Inland Wetlands, Health Department, Zoning)
- Schedule and manage all required inspections
- Handle any permit amendments if the project scope changes
If a builder asks you to pull permits yourself, consider that a significant red flag.
Timeline Planning: Start Earlier Than You Think
If you want to swim in your new pool next summer, you need to be thinking about this now — not in spring. Here's a realistic timeline working backward from a July 4th swim date:
- Now–February: Select your builder, finalize design, submit permit application
- March–April: Permit approval received, break ground
- April–June: Construction (3–6 months for gunite, 4–8 weeks for fiberglass)
- Late June–July: Final inspections, pool fill, ready to swim
Miss the February window and you're likely looking at a fall opening at best, or next summer at worst. The best builders in Nassau County book up fast — often 6–12 months in advance.