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

Pool barrier regulation in Wayne County happens at the local level under state preemption. Michigan's Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act (PA 230 of 1972, codified at MCL 125.1501 through 125.1531) directs the state to adopt the International Residential Code as the Michigan Residential Code; Appendix G/AG105 of that code governs residential pool, hot tub, and spa barriers and applies to pools and spas capable of containing water more than 24 inches deep. The baseline rules: barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the outside ground; no more than a 2-inch gap between the bottom of the barrier and the ground on the side facing away from the pool; no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere; if 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 access to the pool must have an audible alarm or equivalent safety device. Local Wayne County jurisdictions enforce these provisions through their building departments. The City of Wayne, for example, codifies the requirements in Ordinance 1279.06 - requiring a fence of at least 4 feet, a self-closing/self-latching gate on the walk-in side, openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere, and a 6-foot setback from lot lines for pools more than 2 feet deep. Permits are required under MCL 125.1501 and the local building department before construction.