Westland fence permits and the yard-by-yard rules

Yes, Westland requires a permit for a residential fence. You apply to the Planning and Building Department with two copies of a plot plan. The city’s rules allow a fence up to 6 feet in the rear yard and 4.5 feet in a side yard, and only split rail or ranch-style fences in the front yard. Westland also inspects the post holes, which must be at least 36 inches deep, and the finished fence. We call MISS DIG before we dig and can advise you on the Westland fence permit, which the property owner obtains.

Picture of a chain link fence in front of a commercial building.
White vinyl picket fence in front of a suburban home

Westland fence permit rules and inspections

You apply through the city, with a plot plan in hand.

Where to apply

Fence permits in Westland come from the Planning and Building Department at 36300 Warren Road, Westland, MI 48185. The phone number is (734) 467-3210, and permit questions can go to building@cityofwestland.com. The form you need is the Zoning Compliance Application for sheds, fences, and flatwork.

Ask the department for the current amount when you apply, or let us include it in your quote.

What to include with the application

Every Westland fence application needs two copies of a plot plan. The plan shows where the fence will go, with distances to the property lines and to any accessory structures such as a garage or shed. A mortgage survey makes this much easier, because it already shows your lot lines and buildings.

If you do not have a survey, look at your closing papers first. Anchor Fence draws the plot plan for every job we permit in Westland, so you do not need to make one yourself.

Metal fence post set in a fresh concrete footing

Business properties

Commercial sites follow a different review, and fences show up in Westland’s building permit paperwork under the Michigan Building Code.

Height and placement rules by yard

Westland’s fence form spells out what each part of the yard can have. Here is the plain-English version.

Rear yard: up to 6 feet

A rear-yard fence can be up to 6 feet tall. It starts in line with the back corner of the house and runs to the opposite back corner. This is where most Privacy Fences go in Westland. One exception matters on odd-shaped blocks: if your rear yard faces the front yard of the lot behind you, a rear-yard fence is not allowed there.

Side yard: up to 4.5 feet, on one side

A privacy fence in a side yard can be no taller than 4.5 feet and cannot extend past the front of the house. Westland only allows it on the side of the house with an entry door, unless the house sits on a corner lot.

Front yard: split rail or ranch style only

Front yards may only be enclosed with split rail or ranch-style fences. They must sit 2 feet back from the sidewalk or the property line. Westland also does not allow a fence on the side of the front yard next to a neighbor’s driveway.

Steel slide gate across a commercial driveway

The chain link rule and your neighbor

Many Westland lots still have an old chain link fence on the line. The city says a new fence must sit entirely on your property unless your neighbor gives written permission to replace that chain link. If the chain link stays, the new privacy fence must go 2 feet inside your property, or sit 6 inches above the ground, so the strip between the two fences can be kept clear of weeds.

Talk with your neighbor before the estimate. If they agree to a shared replacement, we bring the written permission with the application.

Which side faces out

Westland requires the structural side of a wood privacy fence to face in, toward your yard. The city calls it “pretty side out.” Posts and rails stay on your side, and the neighbor sees the finished face. Most Vinyl Fencing looks the same on both sides, which is one reason it is popular on shared lines.

The two Westland inspections

Westland inspects a fence twice. First comes the posthole inspection, before any concrete goes in. The city requires holes at least 36 inches deep. Second is the final inspection, when the fence is up. Anchor Fence schedules both and meets the inspector.

We typically set posts in 42-inch concrete footings, the same depth Michigan’s building code sets for house footings. That is deeper than Westland’s 36-inch minimum and helps the fence ride out frost in clay soil. Before any digging, we notify MISS DIG at least three business days ahead.

Westland fence rule questions

In Westland, a rear-yard fence can be up to 6 feet tall. A side-yard privacy fence can be up to 4.5 feet and cannot extend past the front of the house. Front yards are limited to split rail or ranch-style fences set 2 feet back from the sidewalk or property line. Confirm current limits with the city.

The city’s fence form asks for two copies of a plot plan and does not list a new survey. The plot plan shows the fence location and its distances to the property lines and buildings. A mortgage survey is a good starting point. The property owner obtains the permit, and Anchor Fence can advise you on the rules and give you the layout and material details for the application.

Usually not. Westland allows a side-yard privacy fence only on the side of the house with an entry door, unless the house is on a corner lot. Either way, the side fence is limited to 4.5 feet and must stop at the front of the house.

Westland requires fence post holes at least 36 inches deep, and the city inspects them before concrete is poured. Anchor Fence goes deeper: we typically set posts in 42-inch concrete footings, the same depth Michigan’s building code sets for house footings. Deeper footings help resist frost heave in clay soil.

The homeowner or property owner obtains the Westland fence permit. Anchor Fence does not pull permits by default, but we can advise you on the rules and give you the layout and material details for the application. Anchor Fence does. You may need to sign the application as the property owner, and to get written neighbor permission if a shared chain link fence is being replaced.

Get your Westland fence plan ready

Westland’s rules are clear, but they are easy to miss on a corner lot or a block where backyards face front yards. Anchor Fence checks your lot against each rule before you choose a style, so the permit goes through the first time. Call (313) 937-0101 or send the quote form.

Westland Building Department Address & Phone Number:

Westland Fence Ordinances:

For Mortgage Survey Visit:

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