Fitchburg's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Fitchburg, Wisconsin, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Height Limits

Fitchburg Code of Ordinances Ch. 22 (Zoning), Sec. 22-56(10), caps perimeter fences (those located within five feet of a lot line) at 6 feet in height and prohibits them from extending forward of the front face of the house. Fences in front yards must be decorative only, with at least 50 percent of their bulk consisting of air space, and may not exceed 4 feet in height. Chicken wire, woven wire, barbed wire, razor wire, electric wire, and similar hazardous materials are prohibited. Building or zoning permits are not required for fence construction in Fitchburg, but the regulations are still enforceable through the Planning and Zoning Department.

Key details: Perimeter Fence Height: 6 ft maximum (within 5 ft of lot line). Front Yard Fence Height: 4 ft maximum. Front Yard Bulk: At least 50% air space. Forward of House: Perimeter fences not allowed forward of front face. Prohibited Materials: Barbed, razor, electric, chicken, woven wire.

Fences exceeding the 6-foot perimeter or 4-foot front-yard height limits, fences using prohibited materials such as barbed or electric wire, or fences extending forward of the front face of the house can trigger zoning enforcement by the Fitchburg Planning and Zoning Department. The city may issue notices of violation and orders to remove or modify the fence, with continued noncompliance referred for municipal citation. Forfeitures and court costs are processed through Dane County Circuit Court.

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

Fitchburg'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 Fitchburg is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Fitchburg's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.