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Do I need to apply for a fence permit?
The short answer is maybe. A permit is required for certain fence heights or locations. The details are below, however, please contact our office before building a fence. We are happy to walk you through the process and avoid any unnecessary steps, costs, or issues.
Email the Building & Safety Division or call (414) 479-8981 before building your fence.
| Location | Height | Permit | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
Side yards |
4.5 feet |
No |
None |
Abutting an Alley |
6.0 feet |
Yes |
Setback 18 inches from property line |
Abutting a Street on side |
4.5 feet |
Yes |
None |
Front yards |
3.0 feet |
Yes |
Setback 18 inches; allowed for decorative use; length limited to 20% of width of the lot; design must be 40% open; chain link fences prohibited; approval by design review board |
Buildable Area of Lot |
6.0 feet |
No |
None |
Abutting Non-residential |
6.0 feet |
Yes |
None |
Rear yard not abutting a street |
6.0 feet |
No |
None |
Fence Height Calculation
We measure fence height from the grade (ground level) to the top of the fence. For example, if you’re installing a 4’6” tall fence and leave a 2” gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground, the remaining height of the fence will be 4’4” above the grade, but it can still be a maximum of 4’6” above grade.
Floodplain Fences
If you build a fence in a floodplain, you must get a floodplain permit, even if you don’t need a fence or building permit.
Corner Lot Definition
For corner lots, the front yard is the side of your property that has the narrowest width facing a street, even if your house faces another direction.
Determining Property Lines
To accurately locate your property lines, you will need a survey or you can locate the iron pipes at your lot’s corners.
Obtaining a Survey
You may have a survey from your home purchase, or you may need to get a new one from a registered land surveyor to submit for permits.
Required Documents for Fence Permits
When applying for a fence permit, you’ll need to submit the following:
- A PDF showing a sketch or photograph of your proposed fence style
- Fence height and any changes in height
- A recent land survey with the location of the fence drawn on the survey
- A $50 application fee
(Note: We cannot accept aerial views from Google Maps, Wauwatosa GIS, or Milwaukee County GIS.)
Allowed Fence Materials
You can use materials like wood, vinyl, masonry, and metal for your fence. However, barbed wire, agricultural or poultry wire, snow fences, and electric fences are not allowed in residential areas. Chain link fences are not permitted in front yards.
Neighbor Fence Construction
Your neighbor does not need your permission to build a fence, and you are not required to be notified. Any disputes about the fence’s location must be settled through civil litigation.
Good Side of the Fence
Yes, the good side of the fence should face outward. Some fence styles are designed to look good on both sides.
How to Apply
You can apply for a fence permit online through our self-service portal. Upload all necessary documents and pay the fee online. For more information, please email the Building & Safety Division or call (414) 479-8907.