Royal Oak Township, MI Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 32-635(e)(1) of the Royal Oak Charter Township Code applies to fences generally. Fences shall consist of materials commonly used in conventional fence construction, such as wood or metal. Wood fences must be built of new materials and painted, stained or preserved in a manner to maintain the fence in good structural condition. Metal fences must consist of new materials manufactured or treated in a manner to prevent rust and corrosion. Chain-link or cyclone fence is not considered decorative fencing, and chain-link or cyclone fencing with plastic or other types of strips intertwined or otherwise attached to the fence is prohibited. Fence posts must be sunk into the ground a minimum of three feet, and all steel or metal posts must be encased in concrete.

The ban on dangerous materials is printed in the industrial districts paragraph, § 32-635(d)(3)c: razor wire and fences that carry electric current are prohibited, and barbed wire on fences is also prohibited.

The definitions add material limits for front and side yards. A decorative fence is one designed so that its main purpose is to decorate or enhance the appearance of the front or side yard in a residential area, and fences consisting of chain-link mesh, welded or woven wire or sheet metal are excluded from that definition. That matters because decorative fences are the type allowed between the front building line and the front lot line, at three feet or less in height. In industrial districts, fences in the front yard must be decorative in nature, described as finished metal. Privacy screens in a residential rear yard can be constructed of masonry materials, subject to review and approval by the Building Official.

Subsection (e)(2) adds a finished-appearance rule: where one side of a fence looks more finished than the other, the more finished side must face the exterior of the lot. Subsection (e)(5) requires fences to be maintained in good condition, with rotten or broken components replaced, repaired or removed and surfaces painted, stained or similarly treated as required.