Residential Fences

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Do I need to apply for a fence permit?

Fence height is determined from grade to top of fence. Example: If installing a fence with a max height of 4’-6” and a 2” gap is left between bottom of the fence and grade, the remaining height of the fence and all members will be a max height of 4’-4”, for a max height above grade of 4’-6”.

Note: Building a fence in a floodplain requires a floodplain permit even if a fence/building permit is not required.

If your property is a corner lot, the front is considered the narrowest frontage along the street.

A PDF of site plan showing the proposed location of fence is needed to apply. (An aerial view from Google maps, Wauwatosa GIS, or Milwaukee County GIS will not be accepted.)

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

What type of materials can I use to construct my fence?

Materials such as wood, masonry and metal are permitted. However, barbed, agricultural or poultry wire, snow and electric fences are not permitted in residential areas. Chain link fences are prohibited in front yards.

How do I determine my property lines?

To accurately locate property lines requires a survey or locating the iron pipes at the lot line corners.

How can I obtain a survey?

Check your records for a survey. Some homeowners acquire this document as part of their home purchase. However, you may need to obtain an updated survey from a registered land surveyor for permit submittals.

Note: On a corner lot, the narrowest width of the property facing a street is defined as the front yard, regardless of which way the house faces.

My neighbor is building a fence. Do they need my permission and shouldn’t I have been notified?

No. Disputes arising out of fence construction or location can only be resolved through civil litigation.

Should the good side of the fence face outward?

Yes. Certain styles of fences face both directions.

How to apply

You can apply online using this self-service portal. You can upload any needed documents and process payments online. During the application process, you will be required to submit: