Wayne County, MI Fence Regulations: Fence Requirements (2026)

Standard residential fence height limits across Wayne County, Michigan municipalities are commonly 4 feet in front yard setbacks and 6 feet in rear and side yards, though individual cities vary. Detroit allows 4-foot front-yard fences and 6-foot side and rear fences under its zoning ordinance. Livonia, Dearborn, Westland, Taylor, and Canton Township follow similar patterns. Commercial and industrial zones often permit 8-foot fences with barbed wire or security features above 6 feet. Corner lots must respect clear vision (sight triangle) requirements at intersections, typically a 25-foot triangle where nothing may exceed 30 inches in height to preserve driver visibility. Fences must be set inside the property line, not on the right-of-way, and must not block drainage swales or public easements. Historic districts within Detroit and other Wayne County cities may impose additional design review. Electric fences and barbed wire on residential properties are generally prohibited unless the parcel qualifies as agricultural under the Michigan Right to Farm Act.