The short answer: in most of our service area, a backyard fence can be up to 6 feet tall, and front-yard fences are limited to 3–4 feet or less. The details vary by city, especially on corner lots. Here are the fence height limits from each local ordinance.
Fence Height Limits by City
| Community | Side and rear yards | Front yard |
|---|---|---|
| St. Clair Shores | 6′6″ overall for privacy fences; panels max 6′ | No fence past the face of the house without Board of Fence Arbitration consent |
| Harper Woods | 6′ | 3′, ornamental |
| Chesterfield Township | 3′ minimum, 6′ maximum | Split rail only, 24″–42″ |
| Clay Township | 6′ | 4′, see-through only |
| Macomb Township | See Ch. 14, Art. II of the township code | See Ch. 14, Art. II |
Always confirm with your building department before you build. The full sources are listed in our fence permit guide.
How Fence Height Is Measured
Cities measure from the ground, but the details differ:
- Harper Woods measures from the finished grade directly under the fence, not counting man-made berms. Where the ground slopes, the limit applies to the average height within 4 feet of each post.
- Clay Township measures from the average established grade to the highest point of the fence.
- Chesterfield Township measures above mean grade.
On a sloped yard, we step or rack the fence so it stays within the limit along its whole length.
Corner Lots Have Their Own Height Rules
Corner lots are where height limits get tricky, because drivers need to see around the corner:
- St. Clair Shores: up to 6 feet 6 inches along the side street to the front of the house, then down to 4 feet 6 inches, sloping to 2 feet 6 inches at the front lot line.
- Harper Woods: up to 6 feet along the street-side lot line, but nothing over 30 inches above the curb inside the corner visibility triangle.
See corner lot fence rules for more.
Waterfront Lots: Height Isn’t the Only Limit
On waterfront and canal lots, the type of fence matters as much as the height. St. Clair Shores bans privacy fences on those lots entirely, and Chesterfield Township allows only see-through decorative aluminum or wrought iron up to 48 inches on the water side of Anchor Bay and Salt River lots. See the waterfront fence guide.
Can I Go Taller Than 6 Feet?
Not as a standard residential fence in these communities. The ordinances above cap side and rear yards at 6 feet (6 feet 6 inches in St. Clair Shores), and anything taller would need the city’s approval, if it’s allowed at all. If you need more privacy, plantings inside a 6-foot fence are the usual answer.
Pool Fences
Pool barriers fall under the building code, not the fence ordinance, so the requirements are different. Tell us if your fence also serves as a pool barrier, and Macomb Township asks you to note it on the permit plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Permit for a 4-Foot Fence?
In most of our service area, yes. St. Clair Shores requires a permit to construct a fence, Chesterfield Township requires zoning permits for all fences, and Clay Township requires a zoning compliance permit for fences, regardless of height.
Is a 6-Foot Fence Allowed in My Backyard?
In most of the communities we serve, yes. Side and rear yards generally allow up to 6 feet, and St. Clair Shores allows privacy fences up to 6 feet 6 inches overall.
How Is Fence Height Measured on a Slope?
It depends on the city. Harper Woods uses the average height within 4 feet of each post where the grade isn’t level. We step or rack fence panels so they stay within the limit.
Can I Build a Taller Fence for Privacy From a Two-Story House?
Generally not beyond the side and rear yard limit. Trees and tall plantings inside the fence line are the usual way to add screening.
Planning a privacy fence? We’ll design it to the tallest height your lot allows. Get a free quote.
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.
