Green Bay's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, there are 3 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.
Retaining Walls
Green Bay requires every retaining wall to be kept weather-tight, structurally sound, and free of significant wear as part of the City's non-dwelling structure maintenance code.
Key details: Standard: weather-tight, water-tight, good repair. Rodent-proofing: required per § 6-7. Applies to: retaining walls on any premises. Not covered: no separate height/permit rule for walls.
A deteriorated or unsound retaining wall is a Code violation the Director can order corrected under Chapter 8's maintenance enforcement provisions, same as any other non-dwelling structure defect.
Fence Permit Requirements
Green Bay caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards, but only 3 feet facing the street unless you use open, decorative material that lets in light.
Key details: Side/rear yard max: 6 feet. Front/corner yard max: 3 feet (solid). Pool enclosure max: 8 feet. Barbed wire: banned on residential lots.
A fence that exceeds the height limit or blocks a vision-triangle corner is a code violation; the Zoning Administrator can order it modified or removed.
Material Restrictions
Green Bay bans barbed wire and other dangerous fencing materials on residential lots and within four feet of streets, sidewalks, or alleys under the zoning code.
Key details: Barbed wire: Banned on residential lots. Buffer from ROW: 4 ft from street, sidewalk, alley. Approved materials: Block, brick, stone, wood, iron, chain link. Enforced by: Zoning Administrator, City of Green Bay.
Fences that violate the material, location, or height rules under §44-450 are zoning code violations; the Zoning Administrator can order the fence corrected or removed.
The Bottom Line
Green Bay'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 Green Bay is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Green Bay'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.