Swimming Pools & Spas in Farmington Hills, MI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Farmington Hills, Michigan, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Safety Rules

Residential pool safety in Farmington Hills is governed by the Michigan Residential Code (2015 IRC) including Appendix G barriers, NEC Article 680 electrical (GFCI + equipotential bonding), and the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act for anti-entrapment drain covers. Local enforcement is by the Building Division; Chapter 28 (Sec. 28-26 to 28-30) handles location, setback, drainage, and operational rules.

Key details: Barrier Standard: IRC Appendix G (48 in, 4 in sphere, gate self-close/latch). Electrical Standard: NEC Article 680 - GFCI + equipotential bonding. Drain Anti-Entrapment: Virginia Graeme Baker Act / ANSI-APSP-16. Discharge Restriction: Not to neighbor or sanitary sewer without authorization (Ch. 28). Final Inspection: Required before pool may be filled or used.

Operating a pool that fails the IRC Appendix G barrier requirements, that lacks NEC Article 680 GFCI/bonding, or that uses non-VGB-compliant drain covers is a code violation. Discharging pool water onto a neighbor or into the sanitary sewer without authorization violates Chapter 28 and may also violate Michigan EGLE rules. Enforcement ranges from stop-work orders to civil infraction citations to required draining of the pool until corrections are made.

Compared to other cities, Farmington Hills takes a harder line on safety rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas in Farmington Hills require both a building permit and an electrical permit through the Building Division. Under the Michigan Residential Code Appendix G as adopted by the state (Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act, MCL 125.1501-1531), a 48-inch barrier is required UNLESS the spa or hot tub has a safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346 - the cover serves as an alternative to the barrier. Chapter 28 of the Farmington Hills code implements these standards locally.

Key details: Permits Required: Building + Electrical (both). Barrier Option 1: 48-inch IRC Appendix G barrier (full pool standard). Barrier Option 2: ASTM F1346 safety cover (locked when not in use). Electrical Standard: NEC Article 680 - GFCI + bonding, hard-wired circuit. Final Inspection: Required before use.

Installing a hot tub or spa without permits, or operating one with neither a 48-inch barrier nor an ASTM F1346 safety cover that stays in place and locked when the tub is not in use, is a violation of the Michigan Residential Code and Chapter 28. The Building Division can prohibit use, require correction, and pursue civil infractions. Improperly wired hot tubs are an electrocution hazard and a major insurance/liability exposure.

This is one of the stricter rules in Farmington Hills's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Fencing Requirements

Pool barriers in Farmington Hills must meet IRC Appendix G as adopted in the Michigan Residential Code: minimum 48-inch height, no 4-inch sphere openings, self-closing/self-latching gates opening outward with latch at least 54 inches above grade, and dwelling-as-barrier door/window alarms unless a powered ASTM F1346 cover is used. Chapter 28 Sec. 28-26 through 28-30 implements these requirements locally.

Key details: Min Barrier Height: 48 inches (IRC Appendix G). Max Opening: 4-inch sphere may not pass. Bottom Gap: 2 in (non-solid) / 4 in (solid surface). Climbable Spacing: Vertical members less than 1.75 in OR horizontals at least 45 in apart. Gate Swing: Outward (away from pool).

A non-conforming barrier is a violation of the Michigan Residential Code and Chapter 28. The Building Division will refuse final inspection, prohibit filling or use of the pool, and may pursue municipal civil infractions. Failure to maintain the barrier (e.g., a self-closing hinge that no longer functions) is also a continuing violation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Farmington Hills actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.

Pool Permits

Farmington Hills requires a building permit (including electrical permit) for any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. Permits are issued by the Building Division at (248) 871-2450. Pools are regulated under Chapter 28 of the Farmington Hills code (Sec. 28-26 through 28-30) and must comply with the state-adopted Michigan Residential Code, which is preempted to the state by the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act (MCL 125.1501-1531).

Key details: Permit Required For: All pools, spas, hot tubs (Chapter 28; state code). Permit Types: Building + Electrical (both required). Issuing Office: Building Division, (248) 871-2450. Online Portal: BS&A Online. Local Chapter: Chapter 28, Sec. 28-26 through 28-30.

Building or installing a pool, spa, or hot tub without permits is a Chapter 28 violation and a violation of the state construction code. The Building Division can stop work, deny final inspection, prohibit filling/use of the pool, and pursue municipal civil infractions. Operating an unpermitted pool also creates significant liability and insurance exposure.

This is one of the stricter rules in Farmington Hills's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Farmington Hills is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Farmington Hills, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Farmington Hills's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.