Oakland County, MI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Two parallel rules apply in Oakland County. Public pools (apartment complexes, HOA pools, hotels) follow Michigan Admin Code R 325.2128: at least 4 ft tall measured from the outside, no climbable footing, no passage under, sliding-type doors are not allowed as the enclosure or as an entrance, and each entrance must have a self-closer, latch, and lock. Wading pools must be enclosed separately. Private residential pools follow Michigan Residential Code Appendix G Section AG105: barriers at least 48 inches above grade, max 2-inch gap between barrier bottom and ground, chain-link mesh openings no larger than 1-3/4 inches (2-1/4 inches if slats are inserted), pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing/self-latching. Where the latch release is on the pool side, it must be at least 3 inches below the top of the gate and the gate/barrier must have no openings greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release. Townships and cities in Oakland County (Troy, Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, Bloomfield, Waterford, Rochester Hills) all enforce these state standards through their building departments.