Pools on Nantucket: What Homeowners Need to Know About Zoning and Permits

06/05/2025

Understanding the local zoning laws and permitting process is crucial if you're considering adding a pool to your Nantucket property. Multiple authorities govern pool installations on island, each with specific regulations designed to preserve the island's historic charm and environment.

What defines a residential swimming pool on Nantucket?

A residential swimming pool on Nantucket is defined as a structure that:

• Is at least 24 inches deep

• Has a water surface area of more than 150 square feet or

• Holds more than 1,000 gallons

Who approves pools on Nantucket?

Four key agencies oversee the approval process for residential swimming pools on Nantucket:

• Historic District Commission (HDC)

• Zoning Department

• Conservation Commission (ConCom)

• Building Department

Steps in the approval process:

1. The Historic District Commission (HDC) must first review and approve every pool application to ensure compliance with Nantucket's architectural and historic standards.

2. Additionally, pools must meet all applicable zoning and preservation regulations, and owners must file an application with said agency. For example, if the proposed pool is located within 100 feet of a wetland buffer, approval from the Conservation Commission is also required.

3. Once all necessary approvals are in place, a building permit can be issued, and construction can begin. The waitlists for Nantucket pool companies have been about 1-2 years long. Homeowners must have a pool permit as well as plans drawn up and approved to break ground.

Where can residential pools be built?

Pools are permitted in all zoning districts except:

• Residential Old Historic (ROH)

• Sconset Old Historic (SOH)

• Commercial Industrial (CI)

Additional Requirements for R-1, SR-1, R-5, and R-5L Zoning Districts (As of June 2021)

For properties located in these zoning districts, there are a few extra requirements:

• Minimum lot size: 7,500 sq ft

• Side and rear setbacks: 10 feet for both the pool and its mechanical equipment

• These requirements apply to any pool project where the building permit was issued after September 30, 2021.

Special Permit Requirements: VR and MMD Zones

A special permit is required for properties in the Village Residential (VR) or Mid-Island Medical District (MMD) zones. In the VR district specifically:

• Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq ft

• Setbacks: 20 feet from the side and rear lot lines

• The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews these applications

Where can a pool be located on property?

When planning your pool location, keep these noteworthy setback rules in mind:

• A setback is the minimum required distance that a building, structure, or feature (like a swimming pool) must be located away from a property line, street, or another structure.

• Setbacks apply to the edge of the water, not the coping or surrounding hardscape (unless the hardscape qualifies as a structure)

• Pools must be at least 10 feet from any septic system.

• Pools must be 20 feet from a leaching field.

• However, there are no minimum distance requirements between a pool and the main structure on the lot.

Explore Pool-Friendly Properties on Nantucket

Whether you're looking to build your home or upgrade an existing Nantucket home, understanding the zoning and permitting requirements for pools can help inform your real estate decisions. For more guidance or to find pool-eligible properties on Nantucket, feel free to contact our office or visit us at 1 North Beach Street in Town or 6 Main Street in Sconset.