A Guide to Michigan Fence Laws
Michigan fence laws define a fence as any permanent or temporary barrier that encloses or surrounds a plot of land with the intent of marking a boundary.
Written by Lindsey Hoover
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- Michigan fence laws at a glance
- Does Michigan law require fences?
- Does homeowners insurance cover fences?
- How to save money on homeowners insurance in Michigan
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
In most cases, Michigan fence laws require that you obtain a permit before constructing or erecting a fence from the division of buildings and safety engineering. Though different districts may have varying fence regulations, it is unlawful to build a fence on any property that violates the
requirements outlined by the state
.Trying to keep track of state laws for homeownership, as well as county-specific ones, can feel daunting. With all of the laws to remember, fence laws are often overlooked.
Whether you’re interested in building a fence or currently already have one in place, it’s important to stay informed on your state-specific fence laws—doing so will save you from unwanted fines and disputes.
With home and
car insurance
super app Jerry
, we make staying informed on your state’s specific fence laws simple and easy. Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about Michigan
fence laws so that you spend less time on the internet and more time doing the things you love. Read on to learn more. Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs
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Michigan fence laws at a glance
As outlined in
Article 4D, Section 1
of Michigan Law, a fence is defined as “a permanent or temporarybarrier or partition enclosing or surrounding a plot of land or portion thereof for screening, preventing or controlling entrance, confining within or marking a boundary separating areas of land.” Constructing or erecting a fence is considered illegal if it violates
state regulations
. More on those below. When it comes to building a fence in Michigan, you’ll need to obtain a permit from your local division of buildings and safety engineering. The permit application requires that you include a proposed plan showing the type, size, and location of the fence, as well as payment of the permit fee set by your city council.
You will not need to obtain a permit for the following fences and walls:
- A temporary fence used for a special event (must be approved by the city)
- Installation of a temporary fence during the winter
- Fences and walls erected on public property
- Temporary construction fences that comply with Michigan state construction codes (these fences may not stand for longer than a year unless approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals)
Before you get building, you’ll want to contact your local city council to make sure you comply with state regulations. Some districts may have more requirements than the state.
Michigan private property fence laws
Under Michigan state law, fences, walls, or landscape screensmust beentirely located on the private property or land of the person doing the construction. However, if you and your neighbor apply for and sign a permit with notarized consent, you may construct a fence on a shared property line.
Height requirements will vary from district to district, but you should expect to have your fence height approved by an appointed fence viewer. Measurements are taken from ground level to the highest point of the fence.
Another thing to keep in mind is fence materials. The materials you choose will need to comply with the state construction code and must be properly maintained. This means that your fence must withstand things like rusting or rotting for up to ten years, according to Michigan fence laws.
Below are the types of fences prohibited by Michigan state law:
- Razor wire, spikes, or nails (wholly or partially)
- Barbed wire (unless approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals)
- Electrical current
Are spite fences legal?
Constructing a spite fence—one that is built with malicious intent—or failing to keep a fence up to safety standards in Michigan is considered a nuisance.
If your fence has been deemed a nuisance, the city will provide you with a written notice, stating the required repairs and the time limit for the repairs outlined in the letter.
Key Takeaway When it comes to fences in Michigan, you’re required by law to obtain a permit before constructing a fence and must properly maintain your property’s fence.
Does Michigan law require fences?
Michigan law requires all public swimming pools to be completely surrounded by a fence. The fence must meet the following standards:
- At least 4 feet high (measure from the exterior side), and doesn’t have footholds for climbing or enough space to pass through the bottom
- Has one or more entrances, which must open to the shallowest end of the pool
- Uses self-closing gates with latches or locks
- Provides a barrier between the pool and any recreational areas
Another thing to keep in mind: if there’s a balcony within 10 feet of the pool, or if there’s one overhanging any part of the pool, there must be a fence enclosing the balcony. This is to ensure safety and prohibit people from diving into the pool.
Does homeowners insurance cover fences?
Homeowners insurance policies consider fences to be “other structures'' and usually cover up to 10% of your home’s coverage limit. You can also expect to find similar coverage for your fence as you do on your home when it comes to unforeseen mishaps. This includes damage caused by
perils
like lightning, fire, and vandalism. If your fence is damaged by a natural disaster, storm, or by your neighbor, be sure to review your insurance policy—if you’re covered, doing so could save you money. We also suggest taking photos of the damage to substantiate your claim and to make the process more seamless.
How to save money on homeowners insurance in Michigan
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Grand Rapids
or Rochester Hills
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FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Michigan?
Yes, you’ll need to obtain a permit from the Division of Buildings and Safety Engineering to build a fence.
The permit application requires that you include a proposed plan showing the type, size, and location of the fence, as well as payment of the permit fee set by your city council.
Can my neighbor make me pay for a fence in Michigan?
It’s a complicated answer, but basically, yes. If you own property, you’re responsible for fence construction fees.
But let’s say your neighbor starts using the fence to constrain their pet—if that happens, you can have a local fence viewer step in and determine the appropriate amount of compensation. Fence viewers are responsible for handling any disputes among neighbors. They have say over whether or not you will have to pay fence fees to your neighbor or vice versa.
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