Skopje region private pools largely built without legal permits

An investigation by BIRN reveals that over 90 percent of approximately 400 private pools in the Skopje region were constructed without the necessary legal documentation from local authorities. While the construction of ground-level pools for individual use does not require a formal building permit under the Law on Construction, owners are still required to submit specific documentation to their municipalities. This includes urban plans, geodetic studies, basic projects covering architecture, water, sewage, and electricity, as well as neighbor consent if the pool is within 1.5 meters of a property line.

Data obtained through public information requests and satellite imagery shows that most owners bypass these formal procedures. Out of 17 municipalities queried in the Skopje region, several reported issuing zero documents for pool construction between 2010 and 2025. The lack of oversight raises concerns regarding the pressure on water resources and the capacity of the municipal water supply systems, particularly during heatwaves and periods of climate-driven water scarcity.