Dreaming of a new pool in Troon or thinking about updating your fence? Before you start, there are a few local rules you need to know. Between city permits, HOA approvals, and safety barriers, the process can feel confusing. This guide breaks it down into clear steps with Scottsdale and Troon specifics, so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Confirm your jurisdiction
Most Troon addresses fall within the City of Scottsdale, but a few parcels may be in Phoenix or unincorporated Maricopa County. Always verify the governing city before you design or apply for permits. You can look up your parcel and jurisdiction using the Maricopa County parcel viewer help resources.
If your property is in Scottsdale, permit services and plan review are handled by the city’s One Stop Shop. If your parcel is in Phoenix or the county, their rules apply instead.
- Check parcel and jurisdiction: Maricopa County parcel viewer help
Scottsdale permits you will need
What requires a permit
Scottsdale requires permits for in-ground pools and gunite spas, plus separate electrical and plumbing or gas permits for associated equipment. Certain small, above-ground plug-in spas may be exempt, but only in limited cases. Always confirm the criteria with the city before you buy or build.
- Permit basics and pool guidance: Scottsdale Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs & Spas
What to submit
A typical pool application includes structural plans, calculations, and a detailed site plan. Show property lines, setbacks, the pool and deck, equipment location, construction access, and the pool barrier or fence with heights. If your lot includes ESL or NAOS areas, expect additional documentation. Scottsdale will not approve the pool until the fence or wall plan is approved.
Review times and fees
Scottsdale targets about 5 days for administrative completeness review and about 7 days for substantive review when your submittal is complete. Fees vary by valuation. The One Stop Shop can provide a permit fee estimate and will confirm your exact submittal needs.
- Plan review services and timelines: Scottsdale Plan Review Services
Inspections you should expect
Typical inspections for an in-ground pool include pre-gunite, underground electrical, pre-plaster, equipment and electrical final, and final site or landscape. Your inspector will confirm details at each step and tell you what to fix or schedule next.
- Example of standard inspections in Scottsdale permits: Scottsdale permit record example
Fence and wall permits
New fences and most walls need review. In Scottsdale, fences taller than 3 feet, masonry walls over 30 inches, or any fence or wall above local thresholds require permits and may need engineering. Front yard limits and zoning overlays can affect what is allowed. Your pool plans must show the barrier, so fence review typically runs with your pool application.
- Fence and wall rules: Scottsdale Walls & Fences
Pool barriers and safety
Scottsdale standards that affect Troon
Scottsdale applies modern pool barrier standards to most newer pools and requires you to show barrier location and height on your site plan. Standard setbacks also apply. For example, pool equipment must be at least 10 feet from any opening to indoor living space on a neighboring home. These rules shape where you can place fences and gates.
- Pool code, setbacks, and safety: Scottsdale Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs & Spas
Gates and latch hardware
Where a barrier is required, gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Latch placement needs to be high enough and not easily reached from outside the gate. Details differ by jurisdiction, so confirm the rules for your specific property.
STR owners must meet stricter rules
If you operate a short-term rental in Scottsdale, you must meet explicit barrier standards. The city requires a primary 60-inch non-climbable perimeter barrier and either a secondary 60-inch pool fence or alarms on every door and window that opens directly to the pool area. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches above the ground.
- STR pool barrier standards: Scottsdale STR Pool Barrier Requirements
If your parcel is in Phoenix
Phoenix requires a non-climbable exterior barrier at least 5 feet high, self-closing and self-latching gates, latch heights of at least 4.5 feet, and openings under 4 inches in many cases. Do not assume Phoenix and Scottsdale rules are the same.
- Phoenix barrier guidance: City of Phoenix pool policy
HOA approval in Troon
Start with the ARC
Troon Village has a master association and multiple sub-associations that enforce architectural design rules. You must obtain written Architectural Review Committee approval before any exterior work, including pools and fences. Do not start construction without written ARC approval.
- ARC process and forms: Troon Village Association Architectural
Typical ARC submittals
Expect to provide an application, a site plan showing your pool, deck, equipment pad, fence or wall location and heights, access route, and landscape screening. You may also need material and color samples and contractor information. Some sub-communities limit fence styles and locations near golf course lots.
Enforcement if you skip approval
Troon’s ARC can issue stop-work orders and fines for unapproved work. HOA approvals are separate from city permits, and you need both.
Your step-by-step Troon owner checklist
Verify jurisdiction and your parcel details. Use the county parcel resources to confirm whether your lot is in Scottsdale, Phoenix, or the county.
Contact your HOA early. Get ARC guidelines, forms, and meeting dates. Submit before you design too far and wait for written approval.
Hire a qualified designer or pool builder. Have them prepare structural plans and a surveyed site plan showing setbacks, easements, NAOS if applicable, equipment, access route, and the pool barrier with heights.
Prepare Scottsdale submittals. Include structural plans, calculations, and a fence or wall plan. If your lot is in ESL or has NAOS, get those requirements addressed before you submit.
Submit for city plan review. Ask the One Stop Shop for timing and a fee estimate. Target review times are about 5 days for admin check and about 7 days for substantive review when your submittal is complete.
Run HOA and city reviews in parallel. Many owners save time by coordinating ARC and city review together. Keep both approvals on track.
Pull permits and schedule inspections. Expect pre-gunite, underground electrical, pre-plaster, equipment or electrical final, and final site sign-offs.
Install a compliant barrier and gate hardware. Match the required height, non-climbable features, and self-closing, self-latching gates. STR owners must meet the 60-inch primary and secondary barrier rules or install alarms.
Plan for drainage. Do not drain to the street, storm drains, or a neighbor’s lot. Follow Scottsdale’s guidance for cleanouts or approved disposal methods.
Close out and keep records. Save your permits, approved plans, inspection results, and the HOA’s written sign-off for future resale and maintenance.
- Scottsdale pool rules and FAQs: Scottsdale Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs & Spas
Timeline at a glance
Design and ARC review often takes 2 to 6 weeks or more depending on meeting schedules. Scottsdale’s plan review targets are about 1 to 2 weeks if your plans are complete, but some projects require additional review cycles. Construction and inspections can span several weeks to a few months based on complexity.
- Plan review timelines and contacts: Scottsdale Plan Review Services
Avoid common pitfalls
- Starting work before HOA or city approval. This can trigger stop-work orders and fines.
- Missing the fence or wall permit. Scottsdale often reviews the barrier with your pool plans, but you still need proper details.
- Wrong latch height or gate hardware. Verify self-closing and self-latching hardware meets your jurisdiction’s rules.
- Ignoring STR standards. Scottsdale STRs require a 60-inch primary barrier and a secondary barrier or alarms.
- Draining water to the street. Use approved methods and protect any NAOS areas.
Ready to plan your project or talk through resale implications for a Troon home with a pool? Reach out to Rachel Kohn for local guidance, concierge coordination, and a smooth path from design to sign-off.
FAQs
Do Troon homeowners need city permits for a new in-ground pool in Scottsdale?
- Yes. Scottsdale requires permits for in-ground pools and related electrical or plumbing work, and your site plan must show a compliant pool barrier.
What fence height and latch rules apply to Scottsdale short-term rentals?
- STRs must have a primary 60-inch non-climbable perimeter barrier plus a secondary 60-inch pool fence or alarms on all direct-access doors and windows, with gate latches at least 54 inches high.
How can I confirm if my Troon lot is in Scottsdale, Phoenix, or the county?
- Use the Maricopa County parcel lookup tools to verify your parcel’s jurisdiction before you apply for permits or design your barrier.
Do private residential pools need a Maricopa County operating permit?
- No. The county issues operating permits for public and semi-public pools. Private residential pools are permitted and inspected by the governing city or the county building department if unincorporated.
What inspections should I expect during pool construction in Scottsdale?
- Typical inspections include pre-gunite, underground electrical, pre-plaster, equipment or electrical final, and a final site sign-off.
Can I drain my pool water to the street in Scottsdale?
- No. Do not drain to the street, storm drains, or neighboring properties. Use approved disposal methods such as a sewer cleanout at an acceptable rate or hire a hauler.
