Detroit requires fence permits through BSEED for most installations. Height limits are 6 feet for rear/side and 4 feet for front yards. Other Wayne County municipalities have varying requirements.
Detroit requires a building permit from BSEED for most fence installations. Standard heights are 6 feet maximum in rear and side yards, 4 feet in front yards. The permit application requires a site plan showing fence location relative to property lines. All fences must comply with sight-triangle requirements at intersections. Pool barriers must meet Michigan Residential Code requirements. Chain link, wood, vinyl, and ornamental metal are permitted materials. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential areas. Other Wayne County municipalities have varying permit requirements — contact your local building department. Fence permit fees in Detroit are typically $75-$150.
Unpermitted fences may result in BSEED citations and required corrections. Fines vary but may include daily penalties until compliance.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Detroit, MI
Detroit's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict the number, size, or style of residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Re...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no specific ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, pumpkins, Santas). Restrictions, if any, come from priva...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no citywide ordinance restricting the time of year, brightness, or duration of residential holiday lights. Restrictions arise mainly from Local H...
Detroit, MI
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Detroit requires separate trade permits from BSEED for any gas line, electrical, or plumbing work, plus a building permit if it...
Detroit, MI
Detroit has no ordinance specifically regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills. The City's nuisance and air-quality provisions (Detroit Code Ch...
Detroit, MI
Detroit follows the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by Michigan. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking on combustible balcon...
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