5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Macomb County, Michigan.
Verified from official government sources
Macomb County does not issue residential pool permits; your local city or township building department does, under the Michigan Residential Code. A building and electrical permit is required once a pool holds a threshold depth of water, with plot plans showing setbacks.
Michigan requires every residential pool to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) high, with self-closing, self-latching gates that swing away from the pool. This state code is enforced by your Macomb County city or township building department, not the county.
Macomb Township Building Dept, Swimming Pool and Spa Requirements (2015 ISPSC)
All pools less than 48 inches in height from grade shall be completely enclosed by a pool code fence or barrier not less than four (4) feet in height... The gates shall swing away from pool area and have a self-closing and self-locking device with latches placed 54 above grade.
Public pools in Macomb County are licensed by Michigan EGLE and inspected by the Macomb County Health Department under Part 125 of the Public Health Code. Private backyard pools are exempt from this program and instead follow Michigan Residential Code barrier and electrical-bonding safety rules.
MCL 333.12521(d)
Public swimming pool does not include a pool or portable pool located on the same premises with a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-family dwelling and for the benefit of the occupants and their guests.
Above-ground pools in Macomb County communities require a building and electrical permit once they hold the local threshold depth, and must meet the same Michigan Residential Code 48-inch barrier rule. The pool wall may serve as the barrier only if the ladder is removable or lockable.
Michigan treats residential hot tubs and spas as pools under the Residential Code, so the 48-inch barrier and self-latching gate rules apply unless an approved safety cover is used. A permit from your city or township building department is required, and spas may sit closer to the house than pools.
2 cities in Macomb County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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