Oakland County, MI Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Rear/Side Yard Typical Max
- 6 ft (Royal Oak §323-3, Troy Ch. 83)
- Front Yard Typical Max
- 3-4 ft (varies by city)
- Corner Lot Sight Triangle
- 3 ft within 10 ft of intersection
- Authority
- Michigan Home Rule: city/township sets rules
Summary
Oakland County has no county-wide fence height ordinance; rules are set by each city, village, or township. Suburban municipalities typically cap residential fences at six feet in rear/side yards and three to four feet in front yards, with stricter corner-lot sight-triangle rules.
No fence shall be erected, constructed, or reconstructed to a height of more than six feet above the adjoining ground level of the owner's or lessee's property. No fence shall be erected, constructed, or reconstructed to a height of more than four feet above the adjoining ground level of the owner's or lessee's property when placed in a front yard as defined by § 323-2.
Full Breakdown
Michigan is a Home Rule state. Oakland County's Board of Commissioners does not regulate residential fence heights. Each of the 62 municipalities in Oakland County (Royal Oak, Troy, Farmington Hills, Pontiac, West Bloomfield, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Novi, etc.) sets its own height limits in its zoning code. Royal Oak Code §323-3 caps rear/side fences at six feet and front-yard fences at four feet. Troy Chapter 83 sets a six-foot max in residential rear/side yards and thirty inches in front. Farmington Hills Chapter 11 allows eight feet in rear/side yards but only three feet (ornamental) in front. Corner lots typically face a sight-triangle restriction of about three feet within a 10-25 foot triangle at the intersection. Always confirm with the building or zoning department serving your specific address before installing.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by each municipality's building/code-enforcement office. Typical penalties are a municipal civil infraction with fines from $50 to $500 per day plus a removal order; some communities treat repeated violations as misdemeanors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oakland County itself enforce fence heights?
Is my property in a city or township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oakland County
How Oakland County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Oakland County to another location·View the Michigan fence regulations overview
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