Permit Requirements: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do permit requirements rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Dearborn and Detroit have similar restriction levels.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Dearborn requires a building permit for any fence over 6 feet tall and for all fences in commercial or industrial zones. Residential fences under 6 feet generally need a permit but no zoning variance.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
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.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Residential permit trigger | All new fences | - |
| Permit fee start | 50 dollars | - |
| Over 6 feet | Building permit with plans | - |
| Over 7 feet | Zoning variance | - |
| Processing time | 5 to 10 business days | - |
| Permit Issuer | - | Detroit BSEED |
| Historic District Review | - | Detroit HDC Certificate of Appropriateness |
| Allowed Materials | - | Wood, chain link, iron, vinyl, brick/stone |
| Materials per Lot | - | Max 2 types |
| Stockade Fence | - | Not allowed in historic districts |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace an existing fence?
Yes. Replacement fences on the same footprint still require a permit to verify current code compliance.
Can I pull a permit myself?
Yes. Homeowners can pull fence permits for their own residence. Rental properties typically require a licensed contractor.
Detroit FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Detroit?
Yes. Detroit's Fence and Hedge Guidelines require a fence construction permit from BSEED. If the property is in a local historic district, the Historic District Commission must first issue a Certificate of Appropriateness.
What fence materials does Detroit allow?
Wood (no stockade), chain link, twisted wire on wood posts, wrought iron, cast iron, aluminum replicating wrought iron, vinyl replicating allowable wood/iron, and brick/stone. A single lot can contain no more than two types of fence material.
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