Fence Regulations in Grand Rapids, MI (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Grand Rapids, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Solid, opaque privacy fences and walls in Grand Rapids are capped at 3 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards; chain-link fences fitted with privacy slats need Planning Director approval and can't be visible from the public right-of-way.
Grand Rapids Privacy Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 5.2.11.C (Table 5.2.11.C, note 2); § 5.2.11.B.1.ii
Solid fences and walls 2 3 6 3 6 ... 2 Solid fences and walls are constructed of opaque materials and block the passage of light. An Administrative Departure is required to permit chain link fences with slats. ... Chain link fences with slats are not permitted unless approved by the Planning Director and only where the fence location will not be generally visible from the public right-of-way.
Fence Permit Requirements
Fence permits in Grand Rapids run through the City's general Zoning Permit process: the Planning Department reviews applications for Chapter 61 compliance, charges a fee set by City Commission resolution, and issues permits for fences and walls over 30 inches alongside other zoning activities.
Grand Rapids Fence Permit Process
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 5.14.03.A, B.9
A.Requirements for Review. Applications for permits and licenses issued by the Planning Department shall be reviewed by the Director to ensure compliance with this Chapter. Incomplete applications shall be returned to the applicant. At a minimum, the following shall be provided.1.An application form, including a detailed description of the proposed development project and intended use in suffic...
Retaining Walls
Grand Rapids zoning caps retaining wall height under Table 5.2.11.C and requires a Zoning Permit for any wall over thirty inches, with taller walls allowed away from front yards.
Grand Rapids Retaining Wall Height Limits
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 5.2.11, Table 5.2.11.C n.3 (Chapter 61 - Zoning Ordinance)
Retaining walls may be tiered with separate spacing equivalent to the height of each installed wall section (e.g. wall height is three (3) feet, spacing to next wall shall be three (3) feet) to allow for the planting of vegetation. A single row of shrubs with a maximum on-center spacing of five (5) feet shall be located at the base of a retaining wall that is greater than three (3) feet tall wi...
Material Restrictions
Grand Rapids prohibits barbed wire and electrically charged fences on any residential property citywide; barbed wire is allowed only around nonresidential uses when installed at least six feet high.
Grand Rapids Bans Barbed, Electric Fences
Heavy RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 8.800 (Chapter 141 - Fences)
No barbed wire or electrically charged fences shall be permitted upon any residential property nor at any location in the City except that barbed wire is permitted surrounding nonresidential uses if it is at all times at a height of at least six (6) feet.
Looking for Kent County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Grand Rapids city rules.
Fence Regulations in Kent County →