PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a fence in Detroit, MI?

Short answer: No, a permit is not required for a fence in Detroit, MI.

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
No permit required Confidence: high

No permit for a fence 7 ft or less that is not in a Special Review District. Historic districts need a permit for all exterior work.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the BSEED fee schedule. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department-bseed/building-permits

Where to apply

City of Detroit BSEED (Accela online portal or Development Resource Center)

Permitting authority: City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Local historic districts need a permit for all exterior work. Based on BSEED's "Do I Need a Building or Trade Permit?" guide. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Fences that are 7’ high or less and not in a Special Review District”

Source: https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2025-12/Do%20I%20NEED%20A%20PERMIT_0.pdf

“If your property is located within a local historic district, a permit is required for all exterior work.”

Source: https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2025-12/Do%20I%20NEED%20A%20PERMIT_0.pdf

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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