Before You Build in Ann Arbor, MI: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Ann Arbor may require permits for fences over a certain height. Standard residential fences under 6 feet are often exempt from building permits.

Michigan has no residential Good Neighbor Fence Act. MCL §43.51 covers agricultural partition fences (township fence viewers). Boundary disputes resolved through common law.

Ann Arbor requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Ann Arbor requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.

Ann Arbor caps fences at 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards for residential properties. Corner-lot fences must respect a vision-clearance triangle at intersections. Fences over 6 feet require a zoning permit. Barbed wire, electrified fences, and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones.

Michigan Building Code requires pool barriers at least 48 inches (4 feet) high. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. Prevents unsupervised child access.

Ann Arbor requires building permits for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs per Michigan Building Code. Inspections required before use.

Michigan Building Code and federal VGB Act require pool safety features including barriers, anti-entrapment drain covers, and GFCI electrical protection.

Ann Arbor regulates above-ground pools including permit requirements, setbacks, and barrier standards. Pools over a certain depth or capacity typically require permits.

Ann Arbor regulates hot tub and spa installation including electrical permits, barrier requirements, and placement rules.

Michigan has no statewide ADU mandate. Ann Arbor ADU policies depend on local zoning. Some Michigan cities have adopted ADU-friendly ordinances.

Ann Arbor may allow garage conversions to living space with building permits. No state law facilitating conversions - local zoning and parking requirements apply.

Ann Arbor allows small sheds without permits (typically under 200 sq ft per Michigan Building Code). Larger structures require permits and must meet setbacks.

Ann Arbor requires permits for carport construction. Setback requirements, height limits, and lot coverage maximums apply.

Ann Arbor regulates tiny homes differently based on whether they are on a permanent foundation or on wheels. Zoning and minimum square footage requirements apply.

Ann Arbor allows recreational fire pits under Michigan Fire Code conditions. 25-foot clearance from structures required. Max 3-foot diameter. Gas pits have fewer restrictions.

Open burning in Michigan regulated by EGLE under NREPA Part 55. Township/county burn permits often required. Recreational fires in approved containers treated separately.

Ann Arbor may impose watering restrictions during drought. Michigan generally has adequate water supply but local utilities may set temporary restrictions.

Ann Arbor regulates tree removal on private property through permits and size thresholds. Street trees are city-managed and cannot be removed by residents.

Ann Arbor is known as Tree Town with strong urban forestry protections. Street trees are city property requiring permits for trimming. The city's forestry division manages over 50,000 public trees.