Fence rules here are set city by city, and they differ more than most homeowners expect. A 6-foot privacy fence that’s routine in Harper Woods isn’t allowed at all on a St. Clair Shores canal lot. Below are the fence permit rules for the communities we work in most, taken from each municipality’s own ordinance or permit packet.
Check before you build. Ordinances and fees change. This guide summarizes the documents linked at the bottom as of October 2026. Confirm with your building department, and check your HOA or subdivision restrictions, which cities don’t enforce.
Do You Need a Fence Permit?
In most of our service area, yes. St. Clair Shores, Chesterfield Township and Macomb Township each require a fence permit, and Clay Township requires a zoning compliance permit. Detroit issues fence permits through BSEED. Harper Woods sets detailed fence rules in its zoning ordinance, so call the city before you build.
Fence Rules by City at a Glance
| Community | Side and rear yard max | Front yard | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Clair Shores | 6′6″ privacy (6′ panels) | Not past the face of the house without Board of Fence Arbitration consent | Yes; $100 residential; post-hole and final inspections |
| Chesterfield Township | 3′–6′ | Split rail only, 24″–42″ | Yes; $65; electronic applications only |
| Macomb Township | See Ch. 14, Art. II | See Ch. 14, Art. II | Yes; $75; grade check, then 7–10 working days |
| Harper Woods | 6′ | 3′, ornamental | Check with the city |
| Clay Township | 6′ | 4′, decorative see-through only | Yes; zoning compliance permit |
Waterfront and Canal Lots
Lots on Lake St. Clair, Anchor Bay and the canals have the strictest fence rules:
- St. Clair Shores: privacy fences aren’t permitted on any waterfront or canal lot (Code Sec. 8-253(11)).
- Chesterfield Township: no privacy fences outside the building envelope on any waterfront or canal lot. In the water-side front yard of lots on Anchor Bay and the Salt River (south of Callens Road), only see-through decorative aluminum or wrought iron up to 48 inches is allowed. Walls, hedges and solid fences aren’t allowed there.
In practice, that makes black aluminum fencing the go-to waterfront fence. Our waterfront and canal fence guide covers the options.
Corner Lots and Sight Lines
- St. Clair Shores: up to 6 feet 6 inches along the side street from the rear lot line to the front of the house, then down to 4 feet 6 inches, sloping to no more than 2 feet 6 inches at the front lot line, in a material that doesn’t block traffic sight lines.
- Harper Woods: up to 6 feet on the street-side lot line, extending to the front building line. Nothing over 30 inches above the curb inside the corner visibility triangle.
- Chesterfield Township: street-side yard fences sit at least 5 feet back from the right-of-way and stay out of a 15-foot clear-vision triangle at roads and driveways.
More in corner lot fence rules.
Which Side of the Fence Faces Out?
Most ordinances here require the finished side to face neighbors and the street, including Harper Woods, Macomb Township and Clay Township. St. Clair Shores requires any “bad side” to face the installer’s property. A shadow box or vinyl fence looks the same from both sides, which avoids the issue.
Other Fence Rules Worth Knowing
- Post depth (St. Clair Shores): at least 42 inches below grade, in concrete or by another accepted method.
- Bottom gap (St. Clair Shores): no more than 3 inches between grade and the fence.
- No double fencing (Macomb Township): a new fence must be at least 3½ feet from any other fence. No spiked or pointed tops.
- Lot-line consent (Harper Woods): a fence on the lot line needs written consent from all adjacent owners, and two fences can’t share posts.
- Materials (Clay Township): treated wood, plastic, aluminum, galvanized metal or similar. No chicken wire or snow fence as permanent fencing.
- Barbed wire and electric fences are prohibited on residential fences in St. Clair Shores, Chesterfield Township, Harper Woods and Clay Township (outside farm use).
- Pools: the building code governs pool barriers, not the fence ordinance.
Call MISS DIG 811 Before Anyone Digs
Michigan law requires a MISS DIG 811 locate request at least three business days before any digging, whatever the size or depth. When a contractor does the digging, the contractor places the ticket. Utilities don’t mark private lines, such as wiring to a shed, sprinkler lines or an invisible dog fence. Our installation prep checklist explains what to flag.
How We Handle Permits on Your Project
We check the ordinance for your address before we price the job, so the layout you approve is one the city will approve. Request a free fence quote and tell us your city.
Sources
- St. Clair Shores Fence Permit Application and Code Secs. 8-249 to 8-253 (updated Feb. 23, 2026)
- Chesterfield Township Fence Application and Ordinance
- Macomb Township Fence Permit Requirements (rev. Oct. 12, 2022)
- Harper Woods Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 10-228
- Clay Township Zoning Ordinance #126, Sec. 3.08 and Building Department
- MISS DIG 811 Homeowner FAQ
Planning a fence? We check the rules for your address as part of every free estimate. Request your free quote or call (810) 614-4181.
