Farmington Hills's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Farmington Hills, Michigan, there are 2 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.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Farmington Hills does not write its own numeric pool-fence dimensions. Sec. 28-30 instead folds pool barrier requirements into the State of Michigan Construction Codes that the city enforces citywide, while Sec. 28-26 separately defines a barrier as a fence, wall, or building wall combination that fully encloses the pool.

Key details: Barrier definition: Fence/wall combo that fully surrounds the pool. Standards source: State of Michigan Construction Codes, not local numbers. Safety cover standard: Must meet ASTM F1346-91. Variance limit: Sec. 28-30 barrier rule excluded from ZBA variances. Existing pools: Rebuild after over 25% damage must meet current rules.

A pool built or maintained without the barrier the State Construction Codes require is a civil infraction under Sec. 28-36, and the code treats improper barrier installation, operation, or maintenance as a nuisance subject to abatement by civil suit for injunctive relief. Abatement can include the city ordering the pool secured with a properly installed and maintained safety cover or the pool's perimeter secured, all at the owner's cost.

Pool Permits

Building a swimming pool in Farmington Hills without first getting building, electrical, and plumbing permits from the building division is unlawful. The application must include detailed plans covering pool dimensions, filtration and piping, waste disposal, and required setbacks before construction can begin.

Key details: Permits needed: Building, electrical, plumbing before construction starts. Issued by: Building division. Setback from property line: At least 10 feet. Setback from accessory building: At least 4 feet, 5 for in-ground. Final inspection: Required with pool filled, filter running, before use.

Starting pool construction without the Sec. 28-27 permits, or using a pool before its final Sec. 28-35 inspection, is a civil infraction under Sec. 28-36, subject to the penalties in Chapter 1 and treated as a nuisance the city can abate through civil action for injunctive relief, including ordering demolition, resecuring the perimeter, or otherwise bringing the pool into compliance at the owner's expense.

The Bottom Line

Farmington Hills's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Farmington Hills is broadly strict or permissive.

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.