7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Kent County, Michigan.
Verified from official government sources
Kent County sets no fence-height rule. In Michigan, fence height is regulated by each city, village, or zoned township under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Grand Rapids, for example, generally caps residential fences at 6 feet with lower limits in front yards.
MCL 125.3201(4)
A local unit of government may adopt land development regulations under the zoning ordinance designating or limiting the location, height, bulk, number of stories, uses, and size of dwellings, buildings, and structures that may be erected or altered, including tents and recreational vehicles.
Kent County issues no fence permits. Whether a fence needs a permit is decided by your city or township under its own zoning ordinance. In Grand Rapids, fences and walls taller than 30 inches require a Zoning Permit.
Kent County has no shared-fence or boundary ordinance. Fence placement on or near a property line is governed by your city or township zoning code, plus Michigan civil property law. There is no county fence rule.
Kent County sets no retaining-wall rule. Retaining walls are governed by your municipality's zoning and building code under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Taller walls typically need engineering and a building permit from the local jurisdiction.
Kent County imposes no general fence requirements. Placement, sight-line, right-of-way, and pool-barrier rules come from your city or township zoning code under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. There is no countywide fence standard.
Kent County restricts no fence materials. Bans on barbed wire, electric, or chain-link fencing (and front-yard material limits) come from your municipality's zoning code under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. There is no county material rule.
Kent County does not specify permitted fence materials. Wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, and chain-link allowances are governed by each city or township zoning code under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, not by the county.
2 cities in Kent County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Kent County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Kent County Ordinance Hub →