The code Longview uses now
On July 1, 2026, the city moved from its 2012 codes to the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2026 National Electrical Code (Building Inspection). The pool code applies to every public and private pool and spa in the city (UDC Art. F, Sec. 7, Ord. 4626).
Longview's own pool rules
- 1:1 from foundations. The city amended the pool code so the depth of a pool or spa keeps a 1:1 ratio from the nearest building foundation or retaining-wall footing (UDC F.7.01, sec. 307.2.2.2).
- Setback. Private pools need a minimum 5 ft setback measured from the edge of the water, and must sit behind the front façade of the house (UDC Art. B, accessory structures).
- Fence heights. On one- and two-family lots a fence or wall can be up to 8 ft tall (UDC B.4.03).
- Draining. Pool water may go to a storm drain only when chlorine is at or below 0.5 mg/l, and never onto a neighbor's land.
Barriers and gates
The 2021 pool code sets a barrier of at least 48 in around a residential pool, with gates that close and latch by themselves (ISPSC Sec. 305). Longview's code goes further on enforcement: anyone with an outdoor pool deeper than 12 in that is not fully surrounded by a fence or wall commits a misdemeanor, and Building Inspection may approve other safety devices only if they protect as well (UDC Art. F). Confirm gate and alarm details with the city before you buy a fence.
Permit, fees and inspections
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| In-ground pool permit | $305 (2025–2026 fee schedule) |
| Above-ground pool / fence permit | $105 / $55 |
| Applications | City permit applications page |
| Questions | Building Inspection, 410 S. High St., (903) 237-1074 (city) |
| Inspection requests | Automated line (903) 239-5598 |
| Flood zones | City development permit for work in the city; mapped flood areas follow UDC Art. E, Sec. 5 |
Registered pool contractors
Texas doesn't license pool builders (PoolDial), but Longview requires anyone building pools in the city to register as a Swimming Pool Contractor, post a $25,000 surety bond naming the city, and re-register every year. The registered contractor answers for the fence, gates, alarms, concrete, equipment, grounding, bonding and every required inspection (UDC Art. A, Sec. 4). Ask for proof, then check the electrician on the TDLR license search. Texas 811 needs two business days' notice before digging (Texas811).
Outside Longview
| Where | Start here | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated Gregg County (Liberty City, Judson, county roads) | Gregg County Health Dept., (903) 237-2628 | Septic permits; ask about distances before layout |
| Kilgore, White Oak, Gladewater, Lakeport, Clarksville City | Each city hall | Separate permits and fence rules |
| Marshall | City of Marshall building inspection | A city sheet says door safety devices must be in by the deck-and-bond inspection (city) |
| Hallsville and rural Harrison County | City of Hallsville or Harrison County | Many rural lots run on septic |
Common questions
Do I need a permit, and what does it cost?
Yes, inside Longview. The city's fee schedule lists $305 for an in-ground pool permit and $55 for a fence (2025–2026 fee schedule). Building Inspection handles plan review and inspections; questions go to (903) 237-1074 (city). Your builder normally pulls the permit.
What fence does Longview require around a pool?
Since July 1, 2026, Longview has used the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (Building Inspection). Under that code, the barrier must be at least 48 in high, and its gates must close and latch on their own (ISPSC Sec. 305). The city's own code also makes it an offense to leave an outdoor pool deeper than 12 in without a full fence or wall. Confirm details with the city.
How close to the house can the pool go?
Longview sets a minimum 5 ft setback measured from the edge of the water and keeps pools behind the front of the house (Longview UDC). In 2026 the city added a rule of its own: the pool's depth must keep a 1:1 ratio from the nearest foundation or retaining-wall footing, so a 6 ft deep end needs 6 ft of clearance from the slab. Ask the city how the setback applies to your lot.
How do I check a pool builder in Longview?
Texas has no state pool-builder license (PoolDial), but Longview does keep a list. A builder working in the city must register as a Swimming Pool Contractor and post a $25,000 surety bond with the city (UDC Art. A). Ask for that registration, proof of insurance, and the electrician's name to look up on the TDLR license search.
What if I live outside the city limits?
In unincorporated Gregg County, septic systems are permitted by the Gregg County Health Department, (903) 237-2628 (county). Keep the pool, deck and trucks off the tank and drain field, and ask the office about distances before the layout is fixed. Kilgore, White Oak, Gladewater, Hallsville and Marshall each run their own permits.
Sources & further reading
- City of Longview: Building Inspection, adopted codes. Effective July 1, 2026
- Longview Unified Development Code (rev. 2026). Pool setback, 1:1 amendment, registration, fences
- City of Longview fee schedule 2025–2026
- ICC: 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Sec. 305 barriers
- Gregg County: septic systems
- City of Marshall pool safety sheet
- Texas811 FAQ
- TDLR license search
Editorial note: General planning information, not engineering or legal advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rules with your local officials and a qualified pro.