Building a Fence on the Property Line: What Michigan Homeowners Should Know
Surveys, neighbor consent, shared fences and the setback rules that decide where your fence can go.
ServicesFence Installation
A new fence is a few days of work and decades of looking at it. We measure on site, price it in writing and build it straight, plumb and set deep enough to stay that way.
What We Install
Final Touch Fencing installs new residential fences from our base in St. Clair Shores, across Macomb County and in Harper Woods and Detroit’s east side.
We install residential fences in every common material, plus the gates that go with them:
- Wood fences — privacy, shadow box, picket and split rail
- Vinyl fences — low-maintenance privacy panels and gates
- Composite fences — modern horizontal privacy panels with no staining
- Aluminum fences — open, decorative and well suited to waterfront lots
- Gates — walk gates, double drive gates and driveway gates
How a Fence Installation Works
- Quote request. Call (810) 614-4181 or send the quote form. Tell us roughly where the fence goes and what you have in mind.
- On-site estimate. We walk the property, measure the run, note grade changes, gates, trees and any existing fence, and give you a written price. Reviewers mention getting their estimate the next day.
- Permit and utility marking. Most communities we serve require a fence permit before work starts. Michigan law also requires utility lines to be marked through MISS DIG 811 at least three business days before anyone digs. See our fence permit guide.
- Build. Posts go in first, then rails, boards or panels, then gates and hardware.
- Walkthrough. We check gate swing and latch, clean up and go over the finished fence with you. If your city requires a final inspection, it happens after the build.
Details That Decide How Long a Fence Lasts
Most fence problems trace back to the posts. Michigan frost heaves shallow posts out of the ground and leaves fences leaning within a few winters. St. Clair Shores, for example, requires posts set at least 42 inches below grade in concrete or an accepted equivalent. We set posts to the depth your city requires and keep lines straight across uneven yards. Read more in why fence posts lean.
We also watch the details neighbors notice: the finished side facing out where the ordinance requires it, a consistent gap at the bottom and gates that close on their own weight without dragging.
Replacing an Old Fence
If an existing fence is coming out, say so in your quote request so we can price the removal. Before you tear out a fence on a property line, confirm it’s yours. St. Clair Shores asks on its permit application whether ownership of an existing fence has been determined, and the city won’t decide it for you. Our guide to fences on the property line covers the details.
Recent Fence Installation Projects
Fence Installation Near You
We offer fence installation in these communities. Each page covers the local permit and placement rules.
From the blog
Fence Installation Guides
Fence Permit Rules in St. Clair Shores, Chesterfield, Macomb Township, Harper Woods and Clay Township
Heights, front yards, waterfront and corner lots, fees and timelines, compared from each city’s own ordinance.
Fence Repair or Replacement? How to Tell What Your Fence Needs
The signs that point to a simple repair, the ones that mean it’s time to replace and how to decide.
FAQ
Fence Installation: Common Questions
How Long Does a Fence Installation Take?
It depends on length, material and gates. A typical backyard takes a few days of work once the permit is issued and utilities are marked. We give you a schedule with your estimate.
Do I Need a Permit?
In most of the communities we serve, yes. St. Clair Shores, Chesterfield Township, Macomb Township and Clay Township all require a fence or zoning permit. Our fence permit guide covers the details by city.
Is the Estimate Free?
Yes. Estimates are free and come with no obligation.
How Do I Pay?
We accept cash, check, credit card, Venmo and Cash App.
Free estimates
Get a Free Fence Installation Quote
Send a few details and we’ll follow up to set a time to measure and price your project. No pressure, no obligation.
- (810) 614-4181Free estimates, no obligation
- Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.Quote requests are accepted any time
- Based in St. Clair Shores, MIServing Macomb, St. Clair and Wayne counties
Thank You! Your Quote Request Has Been Received.
Final Touch Fencing will be in touch soon. If your project is time-sensitive, call us at (810) 614-4181.
While you wait: check whether your city requires a fence permit in our local fence permit guide.