How Ashwaubenon Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide

Ashwaubenon maintains 26 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ashwaubenon falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Height Limits

The Village of Ashwaubenon regulates fence height through its Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code), adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 61.35 (village zoning) and consistent with the general fence statute at Wis. Stat. Sec. 90.03. The Building Inspection Department's residential fence guidance, published at ashwaubenon.gov/government/departments/building-inspection/decks-fences-pools, sets a maximum fence height of 6 feet on the rear lot line and on the side lot line from the rear of the lot to the front building setback line, and a maximum height of 3 feet for any fence located within the front setback area. Pickets must have a 1/2-inch minimum flat top, the decorative side of the fence must face the neighbor or the street, and a fence permit is required from the Community Development Department before installation.

Key details: Rear Lot Height: 6 feet maximum. Front Setback Height: 3 feet maximum. Picket Tops: 1/2-inch flat minimum, no points. Fence Facing: Decorative side to neighbor/street. Permitted Materials: Chain-link, vegetation, wood, metal.

Installing a fence taller than 6 feet on the rear or side lot line, taller than 3 feet within the front setback, without a Village fence permit, or with the unfinished side facing the neighbor is a violation of the Building Inspection rules and Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code. Sec. 17-9-200 of the Zoning Ordinance makes any non-conforming construction null and void and authorizes the Village Attorney to seek injunction, mandamus, abatement, or removal, with forfeitures imposed under the Sec. 1-1-13 bond schedule of the Village Municipal Court. Failure to maintain a fence in good repair can also be cited as a property-maintenance violation, and unsafe pickets or sharp tops may trigger a separate Building Inspection order to correct or remove the fence.

Neighbor Fence Rules

WI Stat. §90.02 to 90.14 provides line fence cost-sharing for rural/agricultural land. Urban residential fences: each owner responsible for their own.

Key details: Rural: Cost-sharing statute (§90.02). Urban: Each owner responsible. Disputes: Town supervisor (rural). Written Agreement: Recommended.

Civil dispute for cost-sharing in urban areas. Rural: town supervisor adjudication per §90.02. Property line encroachments: survey and civil remedy.

The Bottom Line

Ashwaubenon's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Ashwaubenon is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Ashwaubenon's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.