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

Pool barrier regulation in Washtenaw County is fundamentally a state code enforced locally. The Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act (PA 230 of 1972, MCL 125.1501-125.1531) directs Michigan to adopt the International Residential Code as the Michigan Residential Code; Appendix G/AG105 governs residential pool, hot tub, and spa barriers and applies to pools and spas capable of containing water more than 24 inches deep. Baseline rules: barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the outside ground; no more than a 2-inch gap between barrier bottom and the ground on the side facing away from the pool; no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere; where horizontal rails are less than 45 inches apart, vertical members must be no more than 1-3/4 inches apart; pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism mounted at least 54 inches above grade (or, if lower, on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top of the gate); where the dwelling forms part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have an audible alarm or equivalent safety device. Local Washtenaw jurisdictions enforce these through their building departments — Ann Arbor's Building Department, Ypsilanti's Building Department, Pittsfield Charter Township's Department of Public Services, and the various township assessors and building officials. Building permits are required under MCL 125.1501 et seq. before any pool, hot tub, or spa is installed. Section 125.1508b allows local enforcing agencies to set fee schedules but does not allow them to weaken state code.