Sterling Heights's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Sterling Heights, Michigan, there are 3 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.

Material Restrictions

Sterling Heights requires fences and privacy screens to be built of ornamental metal, wire, wrought iron, wood or similar durable material, with the Building Official signing off on structural soundness.

Key details: Approved materials: Metal, wire, wrought iron, wood. Wire gauge: 9 to 11½ gauge ornamental. Approval needed: Building Official structural sign-off. Hardware facing: Must face interior of lot.

Installing a fence from non-approved materials, or with posts and hardware facing outward toward the street or neighboring property, violates § 19-5 and can be ordered corrected or removed.

Height Limits

Interior-lot fences in Sterling Heights must stand three to six feet above grade and stay out of the front yard; corner lots get extra rules for sight-obscuring fences near the street.

Key details: Interior lot height: 3 to 6 feet above grade. Corner sight-obscuring: May project 10 feet into front yard. Front yard: Fences barred from extending in. Governing section: § 19-8, Fence Ordinance.

Building a fence taller than six feet, shorter than the three-foot minimum where it applies, or extending it into a required front yard beyond what § 19-8 allows is a violation subject to § 1-9 penalties and removal.

Fence Permit Requirements

Sterling Heights requires a building permit before anyone constructs a fence or privacy screen anywhere in the city; the property owner is responsible unless a hired contractor takes on that duty.

Key details: Permit required: Before any fence construction. Who applies: Owner or hired contractor. Issuing office: Sterling Heights Building Department. Penalty section: § 1-9, general penalty.

Building a fence or privacy screen without the required permit is unlawful under § 19-3 and is enforceable as a penalty under the city's general penalty section, § 1-9, which can include fines and an order to remove or correct the work.

The Bottom Line

Sterling Heights'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 Sterling Heights is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Sterling Heights's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.