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.
Chesterfield Township · Macomb CountyFence Installation in Chesterfield Township
Between Anchor Bay, the Salt River, canal subdivisions and newer neighborhoods, Chesterfield Township has more variety in its fence rules than most places we work.
Township Fence Rules
- Side and rear yards: between 3 and 6 feet above mean grade.
- Front yards: only decorative, see-through split rail fence, 24–42 inches high.
- Street-side yards: set back at least 5 feet from the side-street right-of-way and kept out of a 15-foot clear-vision triangle at roads and driveways.
- Not allowed: barbed wire, sharp or pointed objects, or electrified fences.
Permits cost $65, and since January 2024, the township accepts applications only electronically. You’ll need a mortgage survey or plot plan, the fence size and material, a driver’s license copy and the signed ordinance.
Source: Chesterfield Township Fence Application and Ordinance. Confirm with the Building Department ((586) 949-0400).
Anchor Bay, the Salt River and Canal Lots
Waterfront lots have stricter rules. On lots abutting Anchor Bay and the Salt River (south of Callens Road), the only fence allowed in the water-side front yard is see-through decorative aluminum or wrought iron no taller than 48 inches. Walls, hedges and solid fences aren’t allowed there. On any waterfront or canal lot, privacy fences aren’t allowed outside the building envelope.
That makes black aluminum the default waterfront fence here. It keeps pets and kids in and keeps the view open.
Replacing a Fence on a Corner Lot
The township ordinance points corner-lot replacements to a September 2016 Zoning Board of Appeals interpretation, so an existing corner fence doesn’t automatically get rebuilt as is. Ask about it at your estimate, and confirm with the Building Department.
Fence Services in Chesterfield Township
- Aluminum Fencing — Black ornamental aluminum that’s open, rust-free and right for waterfront lots.
- Wood Fencing — Privacy, shadow box, picket and split rail fences built from wood.
- Privacy Fencing — 6-foot wood, vinyl and composite privacy fences that are tall, tight and built to code.
- Gates — Walk gates, double drive gates and driveway gates that swing true and latch.
Fences We’ve Built
A few recent Final Touch Fencing projects from around our service area:
Nearby Communities We Serve
Reviews
What Our Customers Say
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“I got estimates from four fencing companies. Final Touch Fencing had the best price. Robert and Marisa were very helpful throughout the entire process. They answered all my questions and…”
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“Beyond happy with Final Touch Fencing! They put in a brand-new shadow box privacy fence around our entire yard. They also put a gate across our driveway and a gate on the lawn. They DIDN’T use…”
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“Final Touch Fencing installed my wooden fence, and I am extremely happy. I requested an estimate, and they came out promptly and provided an estimate the next day, and they offered a very reasonable…”
From the blog
Fence Guides for Chesterfield Township Homeowners
Corner Lot Fences: Sight Triangles, Setbacks and Step-Downs
Why corner lots get special fence rules and what St. Clair Shores, Harper Woods and Chesterfield Township require.
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.
FAQ
Fences in Chesterfield Township: Common Questions
Can I Have a Front Yard Fence in Chesterfield Township?
Only a decorative, see-through split rail fence between 24 and 42 inches, except on the water side of Anchor Bay and Salt River lots, where decorative aluminum or wrought iron up to 48 inches is allowed.
How Do I Apply for a Fence Permit?
Online or by email to the Building Department. Paper applications haven’t been accepted since January 1, 2024. The fee is $65.
Free estimates
Get a Free Fence Quote in Chesterfield Township
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.