Bathing Establishment with Pool (Annual & Seasonal)

Proof of Worker's Compensation and Disability Insurance, including the name of the insurance carrier, the policy number, and the expiration date must be submitted when you apply for a permit and when you renew. Or, if exempt, a copy of Form CE-200 stamped by the Worker's Compensation Board with the New York State-assigned Exemption Certificate Number. The certificate must list the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as the Certificate Holder.

Refer to the Requirements Checklist for basic documentation and other requirements needed to apply for a permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), some of which depend on the type of business that will be given the permit.

All outstanding fines imposed for Health Code Violations must be paid before you can apply for or renew a permit issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 

A valid e-mail address is required if applying online. Your NYC ID must use the same email address that you use for the online licensing system.

List of Permit Fees. More info

List of accepted payment methods. More info

Applicants are encouraged to obtain a NYC ID so they may manage their business interactions with the city in the online MyCity portal. Your NYC ID and your online licensing email must be the same.

Carefully review all the requirements required to obtain a permit to operate a bathing establishment with a pool.

Before you begin the application process, it is recommended that you contact the NYC Health Department, Office of Public Health Engineering to receive guidance on how to submit your supplemental documents and plans.

Completed PHE Form 88 - Statement by Filing Engineer

Completed PHE Form 100 - Application for Approval of Plans and Specifications

Completed NYS Form 1309 - Engineering Report for Swimming Pool Plans

Write a Cover / Scope of Work letter. The letter must include a brief description of the facility background including building type and usage information, and a detailed discussion of the proposed system and the work to be performed.

A copy of the Sewer Discharge Permit from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Pool waste water must be disposed of through the New York City Sewer system. If granted, a copy of the Permission Letter to the Applicant will forwarded to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Public Health Engineering.

Permission / approval for subsurface connection and disposal must be obtained from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. Once this permission / approval is granted, a copy of the Permission Letter to the Applicant should be forwarded to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Public Health Engineering, located at the address below.

If underwater lights are installed in the pool, an Approval Letter or an Electrical Inspection Completion Certificate from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) is required indicating that the underwater lights are approved.

Prepare or obtain engineering plans, prepared, signed and stamped by a New York State licensed engineer or architect. Two copies must be submitted with application.

Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the DOB showing that specific usage (for a pool or bathing establishment) on the corresponding floor is approved. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Acceptance from the DOB is acceptable.

Prepare or obtain one set of manufacturers' specifications for pumps, flow meters, chemical feeders, etc. prepared, signed and stamped by a New York State licensed engineer or architect. One copy must be submitted with the application.

Prepare or obtain one set of hydraulic calculations, prepared by a New York State licensed engineer or architect. One copy must be submitted with the application.

After the facility has been constructed, complete a Pool Safety Plan (for a template, contact the Office of Public Health Engineering using the information below) in accordance with the department requirements that details the policies and procedures to be followed by pool personnel during normal operation and during emergencies to protect the public from accidents and injuries. The plan must include a description of daily bather supervision; injury prevention; reaction to emergencies, injuries and other incidents, providing first aid and summoning help. The plan must be submitted and approved by the Office of Public Health Engineering (see Contact Information below), and the approved plan must remain accessible for use at the facility all times, and must be available for inspection. The plan must be reviewed and updated by the owner or pool operator for all changes, and submitted to the Office for approval.

Obtain copies of Lifeguards' CPR Certificates for those who will be employed to supervise bathers on the premises.

Proof of successful completion of a Pool Operator's Course approved by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.