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.
St. Clair Shores · Macomb CountyFence Installation in St. Clair Shores
St. Clair Shores is home base. We know the city’s fence ordinance, the canal-lot rules and the inspection schedule, because these are the jobs we do most.
What St. Clair Shores Requires
Every fence in the city needs a permit from the Community Development Department (27600 Jefferson Ave., (586) 447-3340). The application asks for a plan showing the fence location, existing fences and easements. As of the February 2026 application, the fee is $100 for residential and $150 for commercial. The city requires two inspections: one at the post holes and a final.
- Post depth: at least 42 inches below grade, set in concrete or by another accepted method.
- Privacy fences: 6 feet 6 inches maximum, with individual panels no taller than 6 feet and no more than 3 inches of gap at grade.
- Finished side: if one side looks different, the “bad side” faces the installer’s own property.
- Front yards: no fence beyond the face of the house without consent from the Board of Fence Arbitration.
Source: City of St. Clair Shores Fence Permit Application and Code Secs. 8-249 to 8-253. Rules change, so confirm with the city before you build.
Canal and Lakefront Lots
This is the rule that catches people by surprise: privacy fences aren’t permitted on any waterfront or canal lot in St. Clair Shores. The permit application asks directly whether your property borders a lake, canal or river. If it does, we’ll plan an open fence instead, usually black aluminum, which keeps the view and holds up near the water. Our waterfront fence guide covers the details.
Corner Lots
The city’s grid of residential streets creates plenty of corner lots, and they follow a step-down rule. Along the side street, the fence can be 6 feet 6 inches from the rear lot line to the front of the house. It then drops to 4 feet 6 inches and slopes down to no more than 2 feet 6 inches at the front lot line, using a material that doesn’t block drivers’ or pedestrians’ view. A shadow box fence like the one pictured above looks finished from the sidewalk side. See corner lot fence rules for every city we serve.
Replacing an Old Fence
The permit application asks whether you’re removing an existing fence and on how many sides. The city doesn’t decide who owns a fence on a shared line, so settle that with your neighbor first. Read building a fence on the property line.
Fence Services in St. Clair Shores
- 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.
- Aluminum Fencing — Black ornamental aluminum that’s open, rust-free and right for waterfront lots.
- 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.
- Gates — Walk gates, double drive gates and driveway gates that swing true and latch.
- Fence Repair — Leaning posts, broken boards, storm damage and sagging gates fixed right.
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 St. Clair Shores Homeowners
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.
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.
FAQ
Fences in St. Clair Shores: Common Questions
How Much Is a Fence Permit in St. Clair Shores?
As of the February 2026 application, the fee is $100 for residential and $150 for commercial, plus $30 for plan review if applicable. Confirm the current fee with the Community Development Department.
Can I Put a Privacy Fence on My Canal Lot?
No. The city ordinance (Sec. 8-253) prohibits privacy fences on any waterfront or canal lot. An open aluminum fence is the common alternative.
Do I Need to Be Home for the Inspection?
No. According to the city, you don’t need to be home for the final inspection.
Free estimates
Get a Free Fence Quote in St. Clair Shores
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.