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.
Macomb Township · Macomb CountyFence Installation in Macomb Township
Most Macomb Township homes are in subdivisions, so a fence project here usually has two sets of rules: the township’s and your HOA’s.
Check Your Subdivision Restrictions First
Macomb Township says plainly that it has no jurisdiction over subdivision restrictions. If your fence meets the ordinance, you’ll get a permit, but your HOA can still limit the style, height or location, and some subdivisions don’t allow fences at all. Get HOA approval before you schedule.
The Permit Process and Timeline
- Application with a copy of your driver’s license and two copies of a plot plan showing each fence segment’s length, the total length, type and height. Note whether the fence serves as a pool barrier.
- Grade check by the township Water Department, which takes about two to three days, to confirm nothing is built in easements and the grade hasn’t been changed.
- Permit issued in roughly seven to 10 working days. The fee is $75.
- Final inspection after the fence is built.
Altogether, plan on about two weeks between applying and breaking ground. See the best time to install a fence for scheduling tips.
Source: Macomb Township Fence Permit Requirements (rev. 10/2022). Full rules are in Chapter 14, Article II of the township code.
Township Design Rules
- No double fencing: a new fence must be at least 3½ feet from any other fence. If a neighbor already has one on the line, plan around it.
- No spiked or pointed tops. That rules out pointed pickets like French Gothic here, so choose flat or rounded tops.
- Finished side out toward the neighbor or street. Vinyl and shadow box wood look the same from both sides.
Fence Services in Macomb Township
- Privacy Fencing — 6-foot wood, vinyl and composite privacy fences that are tall, tight and built to code.
- Vinyl Fencing — Clean white vinyl privacy fence and gates with no staining or painting.
- Composite Fencing — Horizontal composite privacy panels framed in black for a clean, modern look.
- 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.
- 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
★★★★★
“Marisa responded to my estimate request quickly and sent it over that evening. The estimate I received was the best out of 4 others. They were able to begin the work within a reasonable amount of time. Alex, Toma and the rest of the crew worked almost non-stop to get our job done. It was completed in less than two days. We are very happy with our new fence. It looks great and adds value to our property. I would definitely recommend Final Touch Fencing.”
★★★★★
“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 premade panels, which just shows their skills even more. Their professionalism and hard work was clearly seen. Even with the rainy weather they had during the install, they worked hard and did a phenomenal job.
Marisa, who is the owner’s wife, is the one you talk to on the phone. She is quick to respond through text messages and was super nice, even responding on a holiday! She answered the MANY questions I had to make sure that I felt comfortable. She was also giving a helping hand to her husband and crew while they were putting up the fence, always willing to talk and explain what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.
If I have to do this all over again, I would definitely go with them! Their pricing compared to other estimates was cheaper, but their quality of work was nowhere near cheap.”
★★★★★
“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 estimate. Marisa is who I dealt with, and she is extremely nice and helpful, and if she says that she will call or text or email, she will. The installers were amazing. They worked hard, and they cleaned up the mess, and they quickly installed the fence. It looks amazing, and I’m extremely happy. I totally recommend Final Touch. They do really nice, quality work. Thank you, Final Touch. I will recommend you to anyone who needs a fence.”
From the blog
Fence Guides for Macomb Township Homeowners
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.
How Much Does a New Fence Cost? The Factors Behind Every Fence Quote
Material, length, height, gates, removal, grade, permits and access: what moves the price of a fence, and how to keep it down.
FAQ
Fences in Macomb Township: Common Questions
How Long Does a Macomb Township Fence Permit Take?
The township lists about two to three days for the grade check, then seven to 10 working days to process the permit.
My HOA Has Fence Rules. Does the Township Enforce Them?
No. The township issues permits based on its ordinance only. Your HOA restrictions still apply, and the association enforces them.
Free estimates
Get a Free Fence Quote in Macomb 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