Redford Township fence permits: rules, forms, and inspections

Yes, you need a permit to put up a new or replacement fence in Redford Charter Township. The township’s Building and Safety department issues it from 12200 Beech Daly Road. Redford’s rules require decorative front-yard fences to be at least 50 percent open and cap fences in a corner clearance triangle at 30 inches. Some jobs also need a neighbor to sign the township’s Privacy Fence Authorization Form. The homeowner or property owner obtains the permit, and Anchor Fence, based on Plymouth Road in Redford, can advise you on the rules before you apply.

White vinyl picket fence in front of a suburban home

Redford fence permit rules and process

Every new or replacement fence in Redford needs a township permit, and business properties use a separate one.

Who issues fence permits

Fence permits in Redford come from the Department of Building and Safety. The department asks that technical questions go to an inspector by phone, in writing, or in person, not by email. Inspectors are usually in the office early and late in the day, which are the best times to call with a question about your lot.

Redford Building and Safety

  • 12200 Beech Daly, Redford, MI 48239

  • (313) 387-2680

  • Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Inspectors in the office 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Redford rules that shape your fence

Redford’s zoning ordinance controls where a fence can go and how much of it you can see through. Sections 3.05, 3.16, and 3.30 of the ordinance set the rules below. A rule can change the material you pick, so it helps to know them before you shop.

Front yards stay at least half open

A decorative fence in a Redford front yard must be at least 50 percent open. A solid vinyl privacy panel will not pass out front. Picket styles and ornamental steel and aluminum fencing are built to meet an openness rule like this one, which is why we often suggest them for the front of a Redford home.

Corner lots keep a low clearance triangle

If your house sits on a corner, the township limits fences inside the corner clearance triangle to 30 inches. That keeps drivers able to see cross traffic and kids on bikes. We mark the triangle on the layout so the taller part of the fence starts where it is allowed.

The neighbor form for privacy fences

Redford’s Privacy Fence Authorization Form has your neighbor sign to say they know where the fence will go, what it is made of, and how tall it is. It also lets the neighbor agree to removing an existing fence. It comes up most when a privacy fence goes on a shared line, so talk to your neighbor early.

How a Redford permit fits into your fence job

Homeowners and property owners obtain the permit. Since Redford is our home township, we know its rules well and can advise at each step.

1. Estimate

Our estimator measures the yard, notes corners, driveways, and the front setback, and talks through materials that fit Redford’s rules.

2. Your application

You apply to the township. We give you the fence line, layout, and material details for the application, and point out if the neighbor form may apply.

3. MISS DIG

Once the permit is issued, we call MISS DIG at least three business days ahead and wait for the marks.

4. Install

Our crew sets the posts, typically in 42-inch concrete footings. Redford’s rules do not set a post depth; that is our practice for frost.

Inspections and digging

Redford’s building department performs the required inspections and books them by phone. The permit holder schedules them, and we can tell you where each one falls in the job.

Michigan law has us notify MISS DIG at least three business days before we dig, so public lines can be marked with paint and flags. Private lines, such as a sprinkler system or a gas line to a grill, are not marked. Point those out to us before the crew arrives.

Permits for business properties

Business properties use a separate commercial fence permit in Redford, and the review is different from a backyard job. If you manage a shop, lot, or building, see our commercial fencing systems, from commercial chain link to slide gates.

Redford fence permit questions

Yes, plan on it. Redford’s official fee schedule lists a residential fence permit and makes no exception for replacements, so the property owner should get one before the old fence comes down. If the old fence is shared with a neighbor, the township’s Privacy Fence Authorization Form lets the neighbor agree to its removal. Anchor Fence can advise you on both steps.

No, not a solid one. Redford requires decorative front-yard fences to be at least 50 percent open, so a solid privacy panel does not meet the rule. Open picket, aluminum, or steel styles do. Privacy fences belong in the side and rear yards, within the township’s limits for those yards.

On a Redford corner lot, fences inside the corner clearance triangle can be no taller than 30 inches. The rule keeps sight lines clear for drivers at the intersection. Anchor Fence marks the triangle on your layout so the fence steps down where it needs to.

Call Redford Building and Safety at (313) 387-2680, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is at 12200 Beech Daly. Inspectors take questions by phone early and late in the day. You can also call Anchor Fence at (313) 937-0101 and we will explain how the rules apply to your yard.

A Redford permit without the guesswork

Rules on paper are one thing. Knowing how they play out on a corner lot on a Redford side street is another, and that is the part we can help with. Anchor Fence will walk your yard, explain which rules apply, and give you the details you need for your application. Call (313) 937-0101 or send the quote form to get started.

Redford Building Department Address & Phone Number:

Redford Fence Ordinances:

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