What are the swimming pool rules in Sterling Heights?

A residential pool is an allowed accessory use, but it may not be wider than 60 percent of your lot's width or longer than 42 feet including attached raised decks (Section 3.03.G). As an accessory structure it belongs in the rear yard, at least 3 feet from lot lines under the general accessory rules; on a corner lot, a pool may extend up to 10 feet into the street-side front yard if there is no paved access to the property line (Section 28.00.B).

Fencing comes from two directions: the general fence ordinance allows 3 to 6 foot fences on lot lines (Chapter 19, 19-8), and a non-sight-obscuring privacy screen up to 6 feet may surround a pool in the rear yard, 3 feet off lot lines (Chapter 19, 19-7). State construction code pool barrier requirements apply on top of zoning.

Multiple family projects may build community pools up to 60 feet long (Section 6.03.A). Building permits and inspections run through the Building Department; call them before excavating.