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).
Detroit's Chapter 50 Zoning Ordinance regulates fences and walls in Article XIV, Division 2; the height section (Sec. 50-14-385) sets the minimum and maximum heights applied citywide by BSEED in plan review. In Detroit's local historic districts the Historic District Commission's Fence and Hedge Guidelines additionally cap fences at 6 feet at the side lot line at the front face of the house, 8 feet at the rear property line, and 3 feet in the front yard - and front-yard fencing is only allowed on corner lots or in districts whose Element of Design recognizes a front-fence pattern.
A fence that exceeds the Chapter 50 height limits or, in a historic district, lacks Historic District Commission approval, is a zoning violation. BSEED can require removal or alteration and issue civil fines through the Department of Appeals and Hearings.
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