Fences constructed in Nashville, MI should be in keeping with the Zoning Ordinance, as enacted in 1976.  Specifically, the following guidelines are to be maintained when a zoning permit for a fence is planned, permit is requested, permit approved and the fence is constructed:

Establish where your lot lines are located.  If your neighbors do not know where there lot lines are located and you do not know where your lot lines are located, then you will probably need to have a survey performed or, in some appropriate manner, locate the corners of your lot.  Some village lots will have a steel rod at the corners of the lot.  Some lots will not have such points marked because owners have removed them in the past.

You must have a drawing of your lot which shows where the property lines are located.  The drawing must also indicate where your buildings and other major topographical features are located in relation to the property lines.

You must indicate on the drawing of your lot where you want to place a fence.  Fences are for different purposes and the Zoning ordinance indicates different requirements for each purpose.

1.  A fence in the front yard may not be above thirty (30) inches high, if located within fifteen (15) feet of your front property line.  A corner lot will have two (2) fronts, one on each street.  The requirement that prevents high fences is made to allow clear lines of site at the corners and at driveways.

2.  No fence may extend higher than six (6) feet above the front lot line.  This would include all privacy fences which should be kept back from the front yard (or not be closer to the street than your house).

3.  All fences must be constructed on your property.  The fence (or any other structure) shall not be placed on your neighbor’s property.  (A fence or structure placed on your neighbor’s property becomes their fence or structure.)

4. Fences constructed along village road right-of-ways should be kept back approximately six (6) inches from the right-of-way.  This is to allow for sidewalk construction and replacement.  Usually, you can use the sidewalk as an approximation of your front property line.

5.  A fence should be so constructed that the “good” or best side faces out and away from your lot.  Example: Chain link fences should be hung on the outside of the fence posts.

6.  A fence constructed on village right-of-way may be removed at any time with no compensation to the property owner.  The same should be considered for any fence or structure placed on your neighbor’s property.

Remember: the purpose of zoning and zoning ordinances is to maintain the health and welfare of the village and its residents.  The old adage of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” works very well for zoning and fences.  Always think of whether you would want your neighbor to construct the same structure or do the same sort of thing that you are planning.