Height Limits: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do height limits rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Dearborn and Detroit have similar restriction levels.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Dearborn limits fences to 4 feet in front yards, 6 feet in side and rear yards, and 8 feet in industrial zones, with corner lots subject to sight-triangle reductions.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
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).
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Front yard max | 4 feet, 50 percent open | - |
| Side and rear max | 6 feet | - |
| Industrial max | 8 feet | - |
| Corner sight triangle | 25 feet | - |
| Barbed wire | M-2 only, above 6 feet | - |
| Side Yard (Historic Dist.) | - | 6 feet |
| Rear Yard (Historic Dist.) | - | 8 feet |
| Front Yard (Historic Dist.) | - | 3 ft, corner lots only |
| Code Section | - | Detroit Ch. 50, Sec. 50-14-385 |
| Historic Review | - | Detroit HDC required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Can I build a 6-foot privacy fence in my front yard?
No. Front yards are capped at 4 feet and must be at least 50 percent open in most residential zones.
Does my corner lot have special rules?
Yes. A 25-foot sight triangle at the intersection must remain unobstructed for driver visibility.
Detroit FAQ
How tall can a backyard fence be in Detroit?
In Detroit's historic districts, 8 feet at the rear property line and 6 feet at the side at the front face of the house. Citywide, Chapter 50 Sec. 50-14-385 governs the underlying height limits applied by BSEED.
Can I put a fence in my Detroit front yard?
Generally no. Front-yard fencing is not allowed except on corner lots (and is capped at 3 feet there), or in historic districts whose Element of Design specifically recognizes a front-yard fence pattern.
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