How St. Michael Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide

St. Michael maintains 67 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where St. Michael falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools in Saint Michael are regulated by Sec. 155.054 with the same setbacks as in-ground pools (10 ft side, 15 ft rear, 10 ft from principal structure) but may use a shorter 4-foot non-climbing fence or a latchable rigid cover for safety.

Key details: Permit: Required. Setbacks: Same as in-ground (10/15/10). Fence Option: 4 ft non-climbing fence. Cover Option: Latchable rigid cover.

Operating without a permit or barrier is a misdemeanor under Sec. 10.99 — up to $1,000 / 90 days fine. The city can order the pool drained.

Fencing Requirements

Sec. 155.054 requires a 6-foot non-climbing safety fence around any in-ground pool. Above-ground pools require a 4-foot non-climbing fence OR a latchable rigid cover. A 6-foot construction fence is required from the moment the pool contains water during build-out.

Key details: In-Ground Fence: 6 ft non-climbing. Above-Ground Fence: 4 ft non-climbing OR latchable cover. Construction Fence: 6 ft, posts ≤8 ft apart. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching.

Operating a pool without a compliant barrier is a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 / 90 days). The city may order the pool drained until compliant. State pool barriers are independently enforced by the MN Department of Health under Minn. Rules 4717.

Compared to other cities, St. Michael takes a harder line on fencing requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pool Permits

St. Michael Code Sec. 155.054 requires a building permit for any swimming pool construction, alteration, or renovation. Pools must be set back 10 feet from side property lines, 15 feet from the rear, and 10 feet from any principal structure (excluding uncovered decks).

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 155.054. Side Setback: 10 ft. Rear Setback: 15 ft. Principal Structure: 10 ft (decks excluded). Permit: Required for any pool.

Constructing a pool without the required permit or violating the setback rules is a misdemeanor under Sec. 10.99 (up to $1,000 fine / 90 days). The city may order the pool drained and removed.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. St. Michael actively enforces its pool permits requirements.

The Bottom Line

St. Michael is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in St. Michael, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that St. Michael can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.