Fence Installation Permits in Dearborn

Local Rule

City of Dearborn Permit Services Division

Dearborn requires a Permit Services Division fence permit for new fence construction, with signatures required from the property owner and all adjacent property owners agreeing to the location and style (City Council approval substitutes if the adjacent property is city-owned); if an adjacent owner refuses or cannot be reached, the applicant can appeal to the Building Board of Appeals for a $300 fee. Line fences in residential districts are capped at 6 feet overall, including any one-foot decorative top (which must have a solid top rail and at least 50 percent open view); a fence cannot extend into the front yard, and side-yard fences may project no more than 3 feet past a side door opening. Masonry fences and vinyl slats inserted into chain-link or cyclone fencing are prohibited fence styles. Swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high with a self-latching, self-closing gate, and any retaining wall needs its own building permit.

Source · Verified September 2026

Dearborn Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Wayne County

Dearborn's own rule is shown above (Permit required). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

City of Detroit / Wayne County

In Wayne County (Detroit), Michigan fence rules are set locally; most cities require a permit for fences over 6 feet, limit front-yard fences to about 4 feet, and add sight-line rules on corner lots. Confirm with your municipality.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Dearborn with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

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