Water Recreation Facility Operating Permit

(Pool Permit)
What is the purpose of this permit?
The Water Recreation Program reviews the application on the proposed operation of water recreation facilities.
Who issues this permit?
Department of Health
What activities require this permit?
Initial application for newly proposed facilities. Renewal application when annual or seasonal expire.
How much will this permit cost?
Varies based on facilities type and size
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Water Recreation Facility Operating Permit' is online and can be accessed at https://doh.wa.gov/about-us/programs-and-services/environmental-public-health/environmental-health-and-safety/water-recreation-program/contacts.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Fee payment
How long will it take to review my application?
Review provided within 30 days of receiving complete application.
Where do I submit my application?
waterrecreation@doh.wa.gov
How long is my permit valid?
Varies - Annual or Seasonal
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 31.4
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 134

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 14.1
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 250

(Summary results based on 33 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/WaterRecreation/RegulatedFacilities/OwnerandOperator
Helpdesk phone: (360)236 3370
Subject matter expert phone: David DeLong (360)236-3817
Subject matter expert email: david.delong@doh.wa.gov
Statewide Contact:
Department of Health
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Water Recreation Program
PO Box 47825
Olympia, WA 98504-7825
Telephone: (360) 236-3330
Email: waterrecreation@doh.wa.gov
Website: https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/water-recreation
* Permit information last updated 2/21/2023
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