Detroit's Fence and Hedge Guidelines require fence construction permits from the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED, formerly Building and Safety Engineering); fences in local historic districts also require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Commission before BSEED will issue the permit.
Detroit's Fence and Hedge Guidelines state that permits for fence construction must be obtained from the Building and Safety Engineering Department, which now operates as the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). For properties in local historic districts, the Historic District Commission must first issue a Certificate of Appropriateness against the district's Element of Design before BSEED releases the permit. Allowable materials are wood (no stockade), chain link, twisted wire on wood posts, wrought / cast iron, aluminum, vinyl replicating allowable types, and brick / stone; a single lot may contain no more than two fence materials.
Erecting a fence without the required BSEED permit or, in a historic district, without a Certificate of Appropriateness is a zoning violation; BSEED can issue stop-work orders, require removal, and assess civil fines through the Department of Appeals and Hearings.
Detroit, MI
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