Waterfront living along Lake St. Clair, Anchor Bay and the canals comes with its own fence rules, and they surprise a lot of new owners. The big one: on many waterfront and canal lots, you can’t build a privacy fence. Here’s what the rules say and what to build instead.
St. Clair Shores: No Privacy Fences on Waterfront or Canal Lots
The St. Clair Shores fence ordinance is direct: privacy fences aren’t permitted on any waterfront or canal lot (Sec. 8-253(11)). The city’s fence permit application asks whether your property is next to a lake, canal or river, so this comes up at the permit stage, not after the fence is built.
That still leaves you options. An open fence, usually black aluminum, keeps kids and pets in without blocking the view. See fence installation in St. Clair Shores.
Chesterfield Township: Anchor Bay and the Salt River
Chesterfield Township has the most detailed waterfront rules we work with:
- Water-side front yards on lots along Anchor Bay and the Salt River (south of Callens Road) allow only see-through decorative aluminum or wrought iron fences, no taller than 48 inches.
- Not allowed there: walls, hedges and solid fences.
- Any waterfront or canal lot: no privacy fences outside the building envelope.
Learn more about fences in Chesterfield Township.
Clay Township and Algonac
Canal homes and riverfront lots are common around Algonac and Clay Township. The township requires a zoning compliance permit for every fence and limits front-yard fences to 4 feet and see-through styles. For canal-side fences, we check the township setback chart and any other approvals your lot needs before we price the job. See Clay Township and Algonac.
Why Aluminum Is the Go-to Waterfront Fence
- It’s see-through, so it meets “non-obscuring” rules and keeps your view of the water.
- It doesn’t rust the way steel or iron does, which matters in a damp environment.
- It looks right next to a seawall or dock and doesn’t compete with the view.
- It contains pets and kids while leaving the yard open.
Privacy on a Waterfront Lot
If you want privacy from the neighbors on the land sides of your lot, ask what’s allowed inside the building envelope or along the side lot lines for your specific lot. The rules depend on the city and your lot layout, so we check them for your address before we design the fence.
Plan Ahead
Permits take time everywhere. Macomb Township, for example, lists about two weeks from application to permit. Start early, especially if you want the fence up for summer. See the best time to install a fence.
Keeping Kids and Pets Safe Near the Water
An open aluminum fence along the water side keeps toddlers and dogs from wandering toward a seawall while leaving the view open. Pair it with self-closing gates and latches mounted out of a child’s reach. See choosing a fence gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Tall Can a Waterfront Fence Be?
In Chesterfield Township’s water-side front yards, decorative aluminum or wrought iron can be up to 48 inches. Other limits depend on your city and lot. See how tall a fence can be.
Are Hedges Allowed Instead of a Fence?
Not on the water side of Anchor Bay and Salt River lots in Chesterfield Township, where hedges are excluded along with walls and solid fences. In St. Clair Shores, hedge rows count as fences.
Does an Aluminum Fence Hold Up Near Lake St. Clair?
Yes. Lake St. Clair is a freshwater lake, and aluminum doesn’t rust the way steel or iron does, which is why it’s the standard waterfront choice here.
Have a canal or lakefront lot? Send us your address, and we’ll check the rules before we quote. Request 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.
