Washtenaw County, MI Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Washtenaw County does not adopt zoning ordinances for residential properties. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101 et seq., effective 2006) delegates all zoning - fence heights, accessory structures, setbacks, and lot coverage - to municipal planning commissions and local zoning ordinances. Michigan has no statewide fence height limit and no statutory 'spite fence' law (common-law nuisance principles apply). Ann Arbor City Code Chapter 104 (Fences) is the most detailed in the county. It divides residential lots into three zones: (1) the front open space (25-40 feet from the street or sidewalk), where fences must be less than 30 inches tall and less than 50% opaque; (2) the middle space, where fences are capped at 6 feet and may be up to 80% opaque; and (3) the rear yard, where fences may go to 8 feet and may be fully opaque. Any fence over 6 feet requires a building permit from the City. The Ann Arbor Unified Development Code (Chapter 55) governs zoning districts and setbacks. Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, and the townships have their own fence ordinances - typically 4 feet front / 6 feet side and rear with permit required. Pool barriers must comply with the Michigan Residential Code (based on IRC), which requires a minimum 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates and a maximum 4-inch opening. Boundary disputes are civil matters under Michigan common law.