What Michigan's fence law does
The Michigan Fences and Fence Viewers Act provides a process for specified disputes about using and maintaining division fences. It also states that a fence viewer is not responsible for settling boundary disputes or determining a boundary's location. That distinction matters: the statutory fence process does not replace professional boundary work.
Local approval is a separate question
Municipal requirements differ. The City of Ann Arbor, for example, requires a zoning compliance permit for a fence seven feet high or less even though that project does not require a building permit there. Ann Arbor's rule is not statewide. Ask your own city, village, or township what applies to the address.
When to establish the line first
Michigan law defines establishing or reestablishing a property boundary as professional surveying. The definition appears in MCL 339.2001. Ask for a survey before layout when corner monuments are absent or inconsistent, the neighbor disputes the line, the existing fence conflicts with records, the route is wooded or irregular, or the proposed posts leave little margin.
A tax parcel image can help locate records but should not direct the contractor. A fence installer builds from the instructions provided and should not be asked to determine the legal boundary.
Choose the field result the contractor needs
Tell the surveyor whether you need all corners recovered, one fence-side line marked at intervals, or a signed drawing. Send the deed, prior survey, parcel ID, fence sketch, photographs, and any comments from the local office. Use the Michigan licensing page to verify the professional before relying on signed boundary work.
Complete the handoff before digging
Walk the marked route with the installer and decide whether the posts will sit on the line or inside your property. Photograph and protect the marks. Request utility marking separately before digging. The boundary survey, local approval, private subdivision rules, and utility marks answer different questions.