5 rules for unincorporated Ottawa County, Michigan.
Verified from official government sources
In Ottawa County, pools are permitted by your city or township, not the county. Michigan requires a building permit for any pool, hot tub, or spa holding 24 inches or more of water. Georgetown Charter Township, the county's largest township, also treats a pool as a rear-yard accessory use.
Georgetown Charter Township (Ottawa Co.) Pool Ordinance
A building permit is required for any pool with a depth of 24 inches or greater and fencing is required. A pool is considered an accessory use and shall be located in the rear yard of a parcel with a house, at least 10 feet from the house and at least 5 feet from the side and rear lot lines.
Every outdoor pool, hot tub, or spa in Ottawa County must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall, with no more than a 2-inch bottom gap and openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere. This is a statewide Michigan Residential Code rule.
Ottawa County pool safety is enforced through the statewide Michigan Residential Code. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and swing away from the pool. Where a house wall forms part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have a listed water-hazard entrance alarm or an approved power safety cover.
Above-ground pools in Ottawa County still need a permit and a barrier under the Michigan Residential Code. If the pool wall is the barrier and the only access is a ladder or steps, the ladder must be removable, covered, or lockable, or be enclosed by a compliant fence.
Hot tubs and spas in Ottawa County follow the same Michigan Residential Code as pools: a permit is needed if they hold 24 inches of water, and a barrier is required. However, a spa or hot tub fitted with an ASTM F1346 safety cover is exempt from the barrier requirement.
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