Fence Ordinances in Dearborn Michigan
Below is a brief overview of the fence ordinances for Dearborn Michigan. This is not a complete or definite list and should never be used in support of a dispute. Click here to review the complete document of codes and ordinances regarding fences in Dearborn.
Designs & Height Requirements
The city of Dearborn does not allow any privacy fences to be installed without first obtaining approval from the city zoning board. The closest thing to a privacy fence that is allowed is a semi-privacy fence, or a shadowbox fence. Dearborn is also strict about fence heights, only allowing you to build your fence at a maximum height of 5 feet tall. The exception to this is if you have a decorative lattice on the top of your fence, then you can have 5-ft of fencing PLUS 1-ft of decorative lattice for a total of 6 feet tall.
Other common -non-privacy- fences are allowed to be installed. These include chain link fencing, ornamental aluminum fences and vinyl picket fencing. In no situations can a fence with barbed wire, razor ribbon or any electric charges be installed on a residential property. The exception to this may be an in-ground invisible dog fence.
All fences must be installed with the finished side (also called the good side) facing adjacent neighbors. This means that the posts and all support rails must be installed on your side of the fence and the smooth side of the fence must face your neighbor. In our experience, there is no arguing this with the city though you always have the option to bring it to the zoning board of appeals.
Location Requirements
All fences installed in Dearborn must stop at the rear corners of the house and cannot extend forward towards the front corners of the house. The exception to this is if you have a side door providing access to the house. If you have a side door on your house, you may extend the fence up to 3-ft beyond the side door but not all the way to the front corner of your house. The city is pretty strict with this ordinance and will enforce a re-location of the fence if not followed.
If you have an addition built onto the back of the house, you may be able to extend the fence to the original back corners of the house which would end up extending beyond the rear corners of the addition.
Corner lot properties are tricky in Dearborn as the ordinance changes depending on which way your home faces in relation to which way your neighbors homes face, as well as considering the direction that your garage faces. In many instances, you may be able to install your fence into your side yard as long as you maintain at least 1-ft away from the public sidewalk. In other cases, your fence will have to run straight from the back corner of your house, directly to your garage, without extending towards the sidewalk. Again, it gets tricky and if you are a corner lot, it is best to check with the city on which layout will be allowed for you.
Fence Repairs in Dearborn Michigan
All fences in Dearborn must remain in good shape and without the need of repairs. The city inspector for Dearborn is known for being strict and may see your fence that is not in good shape and require you to get it repaired. We have only heard of this happening once in many years so it is not likely, but it can happen It is easy to keep your fence in good working condition and usually does not cost much to hire us for your fence repair in Dearborn. Often, this repair fee will cost less than the city fine for having a “janky” fence.
Fence Permit Requirements in Dearborn Michigan
The permit process at the city of Dearborn is quite easy but typically takes 2-3 weeks to be processed and receive approval. All you have to do it gather all of the required documents shown below and submit them to the city building department. After doing so, the paperwork will go through a review process and you will receive a call once it is approved.
The fence permit fee in Dearborn is $85.
Click Here to visit the official website for Dearborn Michigan.