Fence Regulations in Detroit, MI (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Detroit, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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).
Detroit Fence Height Limits (Ch. 50 Zoning + Historic Districts)
Some RestrictionsPermit 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.
Detroit Fence Permits - BSEED + Historic District Commission
Some RestrictionsNeighbor 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.
Detroit Neighbor Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsRetaining 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.
Fences: Retaining Walls
Some RestrictionsPool 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).
Fences: Pool Barriers
Heavy RestrictionsFence 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.
Fences: Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial 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.
Fences: Material Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLooking for Wayne County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Detroit city rules.
Fence Regulations in Wayne County →