Fence Regulations in Detroit, MI: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Detroit or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Detroit has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
Permit Requirements
Detroit's Fence and Hedge Guidelines require fence construction permits from the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED, formerly Building and Safety Engineering); fences in local historic districts also require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Commission before BSEED will issue the permit.
Key details: Permit Issuer: Detroit BSEED. Historic District Review: Detroit HDC Certificate of Appropriateness. Allowed Materials: Wood, chain link, iron, vinyl, brick/stone. Materials per Lot: Max 2 types. Stockade Fence: Not allowed in historic districts.
Erecting a fence without the required BSEED permit or, in a historic district, without a Certificate of Appropriateness is a zoning violation; BSEED can issue stop-work orders, require removal, and assess civil fines through the Department of Appeals and Hearings.
Height Limits
Detroit's general fence height standards live in Chapter 50, Article XIV (Secs. 50-14-381 and 50-14-385); in historic districts the Historic District Commission's Fence and Hedge Guidelines cap fences at 6 feet at the side, 8 feet at the rear, and 3 feet in the front (corner lots only).
Key details: Side Yard (Historic Dist.): 6 feet. Rear Yard (Historic Dist.): 8 feet. Front Yard (Historic Dist.): 3 ft, corner lots only. Code Section: Detroit Ch. 50, Sec. 50-14-385. Historic Review: Detroit HDC required.
A fence that exceeds the Chapter 50 height limits or, in a historic district, lacks Historic District Commission approval, is a zoning violation. BSEED can require removal or alteration and issue civil fines through the Department of Appeals and Hearings.
Fence Requirements
Detroit requires fences to be installed with the finished side facing the neighbor under Zoning Ordinance customary practice. Fences must be maintained in structurally sound condition.
Key details: Finished Side: Faces outward (custom). Maintenance: Required - blight if failed. Shared Fence: No statutory cost-sharing. Blight Fine: $305 initial citation.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Detroit code enforcement](https://www.google.com/search?q=Detroit%20code%20enforcement) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Material Restrictions
Detroit prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones. Chain link fences allowed but not in front yards of historic districts.
Key details: Residential Prohibited: Barbed wire, razor wire, electric. Chain Link: Allowed (not historic front yard). Industrial Barbed: Allowed above 6 ft. Snow Fence Season: Oct 15 to Apr 15.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Detroit code enforcement](https://www.google.com/search?q=Detroit%20code%20enforcement) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a BSEED building permit and engineered drawings.
Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 4 feet. Code Section: MI Bldg Code 1807. Engineer Required: Over 4 ft or with surcharge. Typical Fee: $150 to $400.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Detroit code enforcement](https://www.google.com/search?q=Detroit%20code%20enforcement) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Pool Barriers
Michigan Residential Code Appendix G and Detroit Building Code require a minimum 4-foot barrier around all swimming pools (in-ground and above-ground over 24 inches deep).
Key details: Minimum Height: 48 inches. Max Opening: 4 inches. Gate: Self-closing self-latching. Latch Height: 54 inches min..
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Detroit code enforcement](https://www.google.com/search?q=Detroit%20code%20enforcement) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
This is one of the stricter rules in Detroit's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
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.
The Bottom Line
Detroit'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 Detroit is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Detroit's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.