Fences must meet City requirements for height, location, and placement on the property. Depending on the height and location of the proposed fence, a permit may be required.
Before installing a fence, property owners should verify property lines and review applicable requirements. Even when a permit is not required, all fences must comply with City zoning and other applicable regulations.
Properties located within a regulated floodplain may also require a floodplain permit.
Do I need a fence permit?
A permit is required for certain fences depending on the height and location of the proposed fence. Review the requirements below to determine whether a permit is needed for your project.
If you are unsure whether your fence requires a permit or have questions about where a fence can be located, contact the Building & Safety Division before beginning work.
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 |
How is fence height measured?
Fence height is measured vertically from the finished grade directly below the fence to the highest point of the fence.
Any space between the ground and the bottom of the fence is included when determining the overall fence height.
For example, if the maximum permitted fence height is 4 feet 6 inches, the top of the fence cannot be more than 4 feet 6 inches above grade, regardless of any gap below the fence.
How is the front yard determined on a corner lot?
For a corner lot, the front yard is generally the side of the property with the narrowest width along a street, regardless of which direction the home faces.
How do I determine my property lines or obtain a survey?
Property owners are responsible for ensuring fences are located on their property. A land survey is the best way to verify property lines.
Check your property records first, as you may have received a survey when you purchased your home. The City may also have a survey on file for your property.
Existing property corner markers may help identify lot boundaries. If a survey is not available or the property lines cannot be verified, you may need to obtain a new survey from a registered land surveyor.
What fence materials are allowed?
Fences may be constructed of materials such as wood, vinyl, masonry, or metal.
Barbed wire, agricultural or poultry wire, snow fencing, and electric fences are not permitted in residential areas. Chain link fencing is not permitted in front yards.
All fence materials must comply with applicable City requirements.
Does my neighbor need my permission to install a fence?
No. A property owner does not need permission from an adjoining property owner to install a fence, and neighboring property owners are not required to be notified.
Fences must be installed on the property where they are permitted. Property line or ownership disputes are private civil matters and cannot be resolved by the City.
Which side of the fence should face outward?
The finished or decorative side of the fence should face outward toward neighboring properties or public areas.
Some fence styles are designed with the same finished appearance on both sides and may be installed in either direction.