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Grand Rapids, MI Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Reviewing office
Planning Department Director
Application needs
form + scaled site plan
Fee
set by City Commission
Bundled with
accessory structures, temp uses

Summary

Fence permits in Grand Rapids run through the City's general Zoning Permit process: the Planning Department reviews applications for Chapter 61 compliance, charges a fee set by City Commission resolution, and issues permits for fences and walls over 30 inches alongside other zoning activities.

A.Requirements for Review. Applications for permits and licenses issued by the Planning Department shall be reviewed by the Director to ensure compliance with this Chapter. Incomplete applications shall be returned to the applicant. At a minimum, the following shall be provided.1.An application form, including a detailed description of the proposed development project and intended use in sufficient detail to determine whether the request complies with this Chapter or other City requirements.2.A site plan drawn to scale, including all buildings and structures and other site improvements.3.Any other information required by the Director.4.A fee established by resolution of the City Commission.B.Permits and Licenses. The following shall require Planning Department review.1.Building permits.2.Demolition permits.3.Encroachment permits.4.Outdoor display or seating permits, with or without encroachment.5.Temporary use permits.6.Property use verification.7.City licenses, as determined necessary by this Chapter or as requested by the City Clerk.8.State licenses, as determined necessary by this Chapter or as requested by the State of Michigan.9.Zoning Permits for temporary uses, special events, outdoor activities, fences and walls higher than thirty (30) inches, accessory structures, and items requiring Counter Review under the provisions of Section 5.12.16.C.10.Sign permits, in accordance with the requirements of Article 15 Signs.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).

Full Breakdown

Under § 5.14.03, the Planning Department reviews all permit and license applications, including Zoning Permits, for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. At minimum an application must include a completed application form describing the project, a scaled site plan showing buildings and site improvements, any further information the Director requires, and a fee set by City Commission resolution; incomplete applications are returned to the applicant. Zoning Permits cover fences and walls over 30 inches together with temporary uses, special events, outdoor activities, accessory structures, and items needing Counter Review.

Violations & Fines

Skipping the Zoning Permit review process for a fence over 30 inches is a Chapter 61 violation, enforceable by the City Manager under § 5.14.05, with each day of continued noncompliance treated as a separate violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I submit with a Grand Rapids fence permit application?
A completed application, a scaled site plan, and any other information the Director requires, plus the fee set by City Commission resolution, per § 5.14.03.A.
Is a fence permit handled differently from other zoning permits?
No: fences over 30 inches are one of several activities covered under the same Zoning Permit review, alongside temporary uses and accessory structures, per § 5.14.03.B.9.

Sources & Official References

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