Fences in Southfield, MI

Residential fences require a Building Department application. In R-A through R-E districts, fences are not permitted in the front yard unless they are decorative or living fences. Side and rear yard fences may not exceed 72 inches. Decorative fences less than 30 inches high and less than 16 feet long as part of landscaping do not require a permit. Stockade, uncoated chain link, chain-link slats, barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences are prohibited for ordinary residential fences, with a farm exception through the ZBA (Section 5.37-1).

Nonresidential and multi-family fences need a permit after City Planner administrative approval unless included in site plan approval. They may be up to 6 feet in height outside the minimum front yard or street-side setback. The City Planner may approve up to 8 feet for demonstrated security needs; other taller fences go to the ZBA. Industrial barbed wire is limited to industrial zoning and must be over 7 feet above the ground (Section 5.37-1).