Wayne County, MI Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Residential swimming pools in Wayne County, Michigan must comply with the Michigan Residential Code Appendix G, which adopts the International Residential Code pool barrier standards. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high measured from the outside, have no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere, and include gates that are self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool. Latch mechanisms must be at least 54 inches above the ground or have release mechanisms on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top. When a house wall serves as part of the barrier, doors leading to the pool area must have alarms or the pool must have a power safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. These requirements apply to pools deeper than 24 inches, including permanent above-ground pools and inflatable pools that stay up seasonally. Detroit, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton Township, and other Wayne County municipalities enforce these standards through local building permits. Hot tubs with locking safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from the barrier requirement.