
Choosing a Fence Gate: Walk Gates, Double Drive Gates and Hardware
How wide to make a gate, when to choose a double gate and the hardware that keeps it from sagging.
We’ve built wood fences in Detroit, and the city’s east side is a short drive from our St. Clair Shores base. Detroit permits work differently from the suburbs, especially in historic districts.

In Detroit, fence permits come from the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Height and placement limits come from the city zoning ordinance and vary by district and lot type, so we confirm the rules for your address before building.
If your home is in one of Detroit’s local historic districts, the Historic District Commission reviews fence applications before BSEED issues a permit, and its guidelines are specific:
Source: Detroit Historic District Commission: Fences, Paving and Landscaping guidelines.
Detroit lots are often narrow, with a side drive and a detached garage at the back. That usually means a privacy fence along the rear and sides, plus a double gate across the drive. If you’ve bought the vacant lot next door, an aluminum or split rail fence marks and secures it without closing it in.
A few recent Final Touch Fencing projects from around our service area:




★★★★★
“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…”
★★★★★
“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…”
★★★★★
“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…”
Yes. BSEED issues fence permits, and the requirements depend on your fence and lot, so confirm with BSEED. In local historic districts, the Historic District Commission also reviews the application.
No. The Detroit Historic District Commission guidelines don’t allow stockade fencing.
Send a few details and we’ll follow up to set a time to measure and price your project. No pressure, no obligation.
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.