Livonia's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Livonia, Michigan, there are 5 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.

Retaining Walls

Livonia's zoning ordinance lets a homeowner build a retaining wall inside a required front, side or rear setback only if the wall rises three feet or less above finished grade. Taller retaining walls lose that setback exception and must clear the same yard setback lines as the principal building, per Section 7.26(1)(D) of Zoning Ordinance No. 3160.

Key details: Height limit in setback: 3 feet above finished grade. Governing section: Zoning Ordinance § 7.26(1)(D). Enforcing agency: Livonia Inspection Department. Related exception: Decks up to 6 ft into front setback. Last amended: April 18, 2022 (Ord. of 4-18-2022).

A retaining wall over three feet built inside a required setback without variance relief is a zoning violation enforceable by the Inspection Department, which can require removal or relocation to conform to the district's setback line. Continued noncompliance exposes the property owner to a municipal civil infraction citation under the Zoning Ordinance's general enforcement provisions, plus the cost of any required engineering and permit fees to bring the wall into compliance.

Height Limits

Livonia caps a standard side or rear yard fence at four feet, allows a privacy fence up to six feet four inches with a neighbor's written consent, and bars anything over 30 inches in the corner visibility triangle, under Code of Ordinances Section 15.44.090.

Key details: Standard side/rear fence: 4 feet max, non sight-obscuring. Privacy fence (consent required): 6 ft 4 in max. Corner visibility triangle: 30 in max, 25-ft legs. Permit required: Yes, before construction (§15.44.050). Governing chapter: Code of Ordinances Ch. 15.44.

Building a fence over the four-foot side/rear limit, over six feet four inches for an unconsented privacy fence, or within the 30-inch corner visibility triangle violates Chapter 15.44 and is enforced by the Building Official, who can order repair, modification, or removal under Section 15.44.130. A general code violation under Section 1.12.010 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; a denied permit or enforcement order can be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals under Section 15.44.160.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Livonia's fence ordinance puts upkeep of a lot-line fence on whoever currently owns the property it stands on, not on a default 50/50 split between neighbors. Successive owners inherit the duty automatically, and the Inspection Department can assign care to any abutting owner when ownership can't be pinned down, without ordering a survey.

Key details: Who maintains a lot-line fence: Whoever currently owns the property. Governing section: § 15.44.120(C). Joint/unknown ownership: Dept. assigns duty, no survey required. Cost-sharing agreements: Private, not enforced by the city. Privacy fence permit: Needs adjoining owner's written consent.

A fence that is more than 50% in need of paint or minor repair, storm- or fire-damaged, structurally failing, or more than 10% in need of major repair is deemed unsafe under § 15.44.130(A). The building official can inspect on complaint or on sight, then serves written notice on the owner describing the defect and setting a deadline to repair or remove it under § 15.44.130(B); enforcement of the chapter runs through the building official per § 15.44.140.

Material Restrictions

Livonia's fence ordinance bans barbed wire between or abutting residential properties, bans electrified fences that could shock a person or animal, and bans sharp projections like broken glass or spikes on any fence citywide. Fence material must also be new or department-approved, and woven plastic strips or opaque fiberglass panels are prohibited outright.

Key details: Barbed wire: Banned near/between residential properties. Electric fences: Banned above ground; below-ground allowed. Sharp projections: Spikes, broken glass, nails banned. Fence material: Must be new or dept.-approved. Governing section: § 15.44.070.

Building or maintaining a prohibited fence is enforced by the building official under § 15.44.140. An unsafe or noncompliant fence draws a written notice describing the defect and a repair or removal deadline under § 15.44.130(B); a person who erects or maintains a fence in violation of the permit requirement can be prosecuted under § 15.44.050, and appeals from a permit denial go to the Zoning Board of Appeals under § 15.44.160.

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

Fence Permit Requirements

Erecting, re-erecting, altering, relocating or making a major repair to any fence or privacy screen in Livonia requires a permit from the Inspection Department under Section 15.44.050, and the property owner is responsible for obtaining it unless a hired contractor takes on that duty.

Key details: Governing chapter: Fences, ch. 15.44. Who applies: Property owner or hired contractor. No permit needed: Painting, staining, ornamental hedge. Privacy fence consent: Adjoining owner's written consent required. Lot line proof: Survey or written owner agreement.

Erecting or altering a fence without the Section 15.44.050 permit, or without the neighbor consent and lot-line documentation Section 15.44.060 requires for a privacy fence, is enforced by the building official under Section 15.44.140. It's punishable under the city's general violation clause, Section 1.12.010: a fine up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with either the property owner or the contractor subject to prosecution.

The Bottom Line

Livonia'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 Livonia is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Livonia's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.