Ann Arbor's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Permit Requirements

Ann Arbor may require permits for fences over a certain height. Standard residential fences under 6 feet are often exempt from building permits.

Key details: Under 6 ft: Usually no permit. Over 6 ft: Permit required. Masonry: Permit likely required. Pool Fence: Must meet safety code.

Unpermitted construction: stop-work order. May require removal or modification. Retroactive permit with penalty fees.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Michigan has no residential Good Neighbor Fence Act. MCL §43.51 covers agricultural partition fences (township fence viewers). Boundary disputes resolved through common law.

Key details: Cost Split: Not required (residential). Agricultural: MCL §43.51 applies. Spite Fence: Actionable as nuisance. Disputes: Civil court / small claims.

Civil remedy: lawsuits for encroachment or nuisance. Small claims court for disputes under $6,500. Spite fence: injunction + damages.

Pool Barriers

Ann Arbor requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Key details: Min Height: 48 to 60 inches. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching. Openings: Less than 4 inches. Enforcement: Inspection at permit.

Non-compliant barriers: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500. Pool use prohibited until barriers meet code. Liability exposure for accidents.

This is one of the stricter rules in Ann Arbor's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Retaining Walls

Ann Arbor requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.

Key details: Permit Free: Up to 4 feet typically. Engineering: Required over 4 feet. Setbacks: Apply near property lines. Drainage: Must be addressed.

Unpermitted walls: stop-work order, required engineering review, potential demolition. Fines $200 to $1,000.

Material Restrictions

Ann Arbor regulates fence materials by zone. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Chain-link may be restricted in front yards. Barbed wire prohibited in residential areas.

Key details: Approved: Wood, vinyl, wrought iron. Chain-Link: May be restricted. Barbed Wire: Prohibited residential. Historic: HDC approval may apply.

Non-compliant materials: code compliance notice with correction deadline. May require replacement.

Height Limits

Ann Arbor caps fences at 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards for residential properties. Corner-lot fences must respect a vision-clearance triangle at intersections. Fences over 6 feet require a zoning permit. Barbed wire, electrified fences, and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones.

Key details: Barriers: Front-yard fence max 4 ft. Barriers: Side and rear-yard fence max 6 ft. Vision Triangle: Vision triangle required at corner lots. Permit Required: Permits required for fences over 6 ft. Restrictions: Barbed wire prohibited in residential zones.

Fence violations are civil infractions. First offense $100, second $200, third $500 within 12 months. The city may order removal or modification of non-conforming fences. Disputes over location near property lines are usually civil matters between neighbors. Contact Planning at (734) 794-6265 for permit questions.

The Bottom Line

Ann Arbor's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Ann Arbor is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Ann Arbor's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.