Ann Arbor caps fences at 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards for residential properties. Corner-lot fences must respect a vision-clearance triangle at intersections. Fences over 6 feet require a zoning permit. Barbed wire, electrified fences, and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones.
The Ann Arbor Unified Development Code (UDC §5.16.5) regulates fences on all residential and mixed-use lots. In residential districts, fences in any front yard (the area between the front of the principal building and the street) may not exceed 4 feet in height. Fences in side yards and rear yards may go up to 6 feet. The height is measured from grade on the higher side. Solid privacy fences are subject to the same 4/6 limits.
Corner lots must maintain a 25-foot vision-clearance triangle at the intersection where fences cannot exceed 30 inches in height, to preserve sight lines for drivers and pedestrians. Fences taller than 6 feet (decorative pergolas, courtyard walls) require a zoning permit and Planning review.
Prohibited materials include barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences in residential zones (allowed in industrial zones with permit). The "finished-side rule" requires that the smooth or finished side of a fence face the adjoining neighbor or street; the structural side (posts and rails) faces the installing owner. Building permits are not required for fences under 7 feet, but property owners must verify property lines and stay on their side.
Fence violations are civil infractions. First offense $100, second $200, third $500 within 12 months. The city may order removal or modification of non-conforming fences. Disputes over location near property lines are usually civil matters between neighbors. Contact Planning at (734) 794-6265 for permit questions.
Ann Arbor, MI
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Ann Arbor, MI
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See how Ann Arbor's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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