Farmington Hills, MI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Because the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act (MCL 125.1501-1531) preempts local building code amendments, Farmington Hills enforces the IRC Appendix G barrier rules as adopted into the Michigan Residential Code (2015 IRC base). The barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool; openings must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass; the gap at the bottom must not exceed 2 inches on non-solid grade (or 4 inches on solid surface). Where vertical members are spaced at intervals exceeding 1.75 inches, horizontal members on the pool side must be at least 45 inches apart to discourage climbing. Gates must be equipped with self-closing and self-latching mechanisms, must open outward (away from the pool), and the release device must be located either at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate or on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top with no openings within 18 inches of the release. Where the dwelling forms part of the required barrier, doors and operable windows opening directly into the pool area must be equipped with an alarm (UL 2017-compliant) - or the pool must have a powered safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Farmington Hills Chapter 28 (Sec. 28-26 through 28-30) regulates pool location, setbacks, and locally enforceable details that supplement the state code.