Sterling Heights, MI Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Sterling Heights, MI, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Appendix enforced
- Michigan Building Code Appendix G
- Enforcing agency
- City Building Official
- Permit required for
- all regulated construction
- Pairs with
- §3.03.G pool size limit
Summary
Sterling Heights enforces Appendix G of the Michigan Building Code, the swimming pool, spa and hot tub safety appendix, through its own Building Official, on top of the building permit required for construction under the city's Building Code.
Code appendix enforced. Pursuant to the provisions of the state construction code, in accordance with Section 8b(6) of Act 230 of the Public Acts of 1972, as amended, Appendix G of the Michigan Building Code shall be enforced by the Building Official within the city.
(D) Designation of Regulated Flood Prone Hazard Areas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Study (FIS) entitled "Macomb County, Michigan and all Jurisdictions" and dated 9/29/06 and the Flood Insurance Rate Map(s) (FIRMs) panel number(s) of 26099C0218G, 0219G, 0238G, 0302G, 0304G, 0306G, 0307G, 0308G, 0309G, 0312G, 0316G, 0317G, 0326G, 0328G, and 0336G and dated September 29, 2006 are adopted by reference and declared to be a part of Section 1612.3 of the Michigan Building Code. (Ord. No. 352, § 2; Ord. No. 386 § 2, 10-3-06)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 11-7(C) designates Sterling Heights' own Building Official as the enforcement agency for Appendix G of the Michigan Building Code, the appendix covering swimming pool, spa and hot tub construction, barriers and safety features, rather than leaving that enforcement to the state. Separately, Zoning Ordinance § 29.02.A requires a building permit for 'all construction, alterations, demolition or other changes as regulated by the Building Code,' so a residential pool build in Macomb County's Sterling Heights needs plans reviewed and a permit issued by the Building Official before work starts, in addition to meeting the § 3.03.G pool-size standard.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required permit or in violation of the Building Code enforcement provisions is a misdemeanor under City Code § 1-9(A), punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a pool in Sterling Heights?
Who enforces pool safety rules in Sterling Heights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.