Sled, it depends on where you live. You may want to find out.
I needed a permit for the hot tub. Also one for the deck I built around it. Talk about the options of where you want to put the hot tub, it may effect the criteria for the permits.
Keep this in mind. Most people don't have a problem and never get a permit. But, if someone ever complained or if something ever happened, and you didn't have one, they can make you remove the hot tub at your expense, or can fine you as well. Plus, it will also hold up the sale of your house if you don't have one and it is found out by the real estate agents.
I got permits for both my deck and hot tub. I didn't want to take any chances because with my luck I would get caught.
I would consider making a base for it to sit on. Talk it over with a landscaper. I dug out 6" of dirt and put in a mixture for the foundation and the patio stones to set it upon. This allowed the lip of the hot tub to be at the floor level of the upper deck.
You will also need an electrician to install in properly. This will run you about $1300-$1700 dollars. (Did they neglect to tell you that) And, depending on your power box, you may need to have another smaller one added on. Make sure you get an amp set up for your hot tub that is greater than what the manufacterer suggests. The reason? A lot of people upgrade their hot tubs after some time. When you upgrade, you usually need more amps. If it isn't already set for it, you'll have to bring in an electrician to do that step over again and it will cost you more money. This is just a pre-emptive strike.
Hope that helps.
