Height Limits: Detroit vs Livonia
How do height limits rules compare between Detroit, MI and Livonia, MI?
Detroit and Livonia have similar restriction levels.
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 →Livonia, MI
Wayne County
Livonia typically allows residential fences up to 6 feet tall in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards, with taller fences requiring a variance from the zoning board.
View full Livonia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Detroit | Livonia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Side/rear yard max | - | 6 feet |
| Front yard max | - | 4 feet |
| Commercial max | - | 8 feet typical |
| Vision clearance | - | 25 feet at corners |
| Variance body | - | Zoning Board of Appeals |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Livonia FAQ
Can I build an 8-foot privacy fence?
Not by right. You would need a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, which requires demonstrating a practical difficulty.
How tall can a front yard fence be?
Front yard fences are generally limited to 4 feet to preserve neighborhood character and sight lines.
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