Can I put a fence in my front yard in Birmingham, MI?

Yes, but it is limited to 3 feet tall in the front open space (§ 4.11).

The ordinance allows two exceptions where a taller fence, up to the standard 6 feet, is permitted (§ 4.11):

• Behind the front of the principal building. Once the fence line passes the front face of the house, the 3-foot limit no longer applies.
• Immediately adjacent to the rear lot line of a corner lot. A corner lot's rear line can run along what looks like a front yard on the neighboring street, so 6 feet is allowed there.

No fence anywhere may contain barbed wire or carry an electrical current (§ 4.10). On corner lots, also keep in mind that nothing may be maintained at a height that obscures drivers' vision at the intersection (§ 4.89).

Fence permits are reviewed administratively (§ 7.14). The Planning Division can confirm where your front open space begins: 248-530-1850.