Swimming pool permit rules in Farmington Hills, MI — also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations — set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Farmington Hills requires a building permit (including electrical permit) for any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. Permits are issued by the Building Division at (248) 871-2450. Pools are regulated under Chapter 28 of the Farmington Hills code (Sec. 28-26 through 28-30) and must comply with the state-adopted Michigan Residential Code, which is preempted to the state by the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act (MCL 125.1501-1531).
The city's 'When Is a Permit Required' page specifically lists 'Pool/Spa' and 'Hot Tub' as installations requiring a building permit, and again lists them as requiring an electrical permit. Chapter 28 (Swimming Pools) of the Farmington Hills Code of Ordinances, at Sec. 28-26 through 28-30, sets the local pool standards on top of the Michigan Residential Code. The Michigan Residential Code (2015 IRC base) is the construction standard for residential pools and is preempted to the state under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act (MCL 125.1501-125.1531) - meaning the city must enforce the state code and cannot impose stricter construction standards by ordinance. Building Division contacts: (248) 871-2450; applications via BS&A Online. Inspections required typically include electrical rough-in (NEC Article 680 - GFCI and equipotential bonding), barrier compliance to IRC Appendix G, and a final inspection before the pool may be filled or used. Permit fees vary based on valuation and are set by the city's fee schedule.
Building or installing a pool, spa, or hot tub without permits is a Chapter 28 violation and a violation of the state construction code. The Building Division can stop work, deny final inspection, prohibit filling/use of the pool, and pursue municipal civil infractions. Operating an unpermitted pool also creates significant liability and insurance exposure.
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