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Fence Regulations in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

3 verified fence regulations for Sterling Heights, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

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.

Sterling Heights Fence Height By Location

Some Restrictions

Sterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 19-8(A)

A fence, including one of sight-obscuring design, may be erected upon any side or rear lot line and along the front yard setback line, provided the fence is not less than three feet nor more than six feet above grade level at any location, and provided further that adequate access for firefighting is provided. Fences are not permitted to extend into the front yard.    (B)   Corner lots. The fol...

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.

Sterling Heights Fence Permit Requirement

Some Restrictions

Sterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 19-3

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to construct or cause to be constructed any fence or privacy screen upon any property within the limits of the City of Sterling Heights without first having obtained a permit therefor in the manner hereinafter provided. The owner of the property, as determined by the records of the Assessment Department of the City of Sterling Heights, sh...

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.

Sterling Heights Fence Material Standards

Some Restrictions

Sterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 19-5

All fences and privacy screens shall be of an ornamental type, constructed of either metal, ornamental 9 to 11½ gauge wire, wrought iron, wood or other durable ornamental material similar in nature and meeting performance standard criteria set forth in the Building Code. A decorative fence or privacy screen constructed of any of the preceding materials shall be permitted, provided the Building ...

Looking for Macomb County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sterling Heights city rules.

Fence Regulations in Macomb County