Wyoming's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Wyoming, 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

Every private swimming pool in the City of Wyoming, Michigan, must sit at least six feet from side and rear lot lines and from any house or building, and must be 'completely enclosed by a barrier' meeting the state Building and Residential Code pool-barrier standards in effect when the permit issues, under Sec. 10-504.

Key details: Minimum setback: 6 feet from lot lines. Barrier standard: State Building/Residential Code. Lighting: Must shade away from neighbors. Waiver: City manager may waive setback only. Applies to: In-ground and above-ground pools.

Installing or maintaining a pool that lacks the required six-foot setback or the Sec. 10-504(9) enclosure is a Code violation subject to the general penalty in Sec. 1-26: a fine of up to $500.00 plus prosecution costs, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; the city can also require the barrier be corrected before the pool passes inspection under Sec. 10-505.

Pool Permits

Building or installing a private swimming pool inside the City of Wyoming, Michigan, in Kent County, requires a permit from the building inspector before any digging or construction starts. Sec. 10-502 of the city Code bars pool construction without a permit, and Sec. 10-503 requires detailed plans, an approved application, and a final building-inspector inspection before the pool goes into use.

Key details: Permit issuer: City building inspector. Regulated depth: 2 feet or more. Application: Detailed plans/specs required. Final step: Building-inspector final inspection. General penalty: Up to $500, 90 days.

Chapter 10 sets no separate penalty for Article XI, so the citywide general penalty in Sec. 1-26 applies to constructing or using an unpermitted pool: a fine of up to $500.00 plus costs of prosecution, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of the violation counted as a separate offense. The building inspector can also order the unpermitted pool drained, altered, or removed until it passes inspection.

The Bottom Line

Wyoming'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 Wyoming is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Wyoming 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.