Green Bay's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Green Bay, 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

Under Green Bay's zoning ordinance (historically Code 1984 Sec. 13.602, now codified in Chapter 13/Chapter 44 Article V Division 6 of the Code of Ordinances), fences and walls in residential areas may generally be built up to 8 feet tall. Within a required front yard or corner side yard setback, a solid fence may not exceed 3 feet, but it may be increased to 4 feet if the fence is open, decorative, ornamental fencing material that is less than 50% opaque, and to 5 feet if it is less than 20% opaque. Barbed wire and similar dangerous materials are prohibited on residentially zoned property and within 4 feet of any public street, sidewalk, or alley. A city fence permit is required before construction.

Key details: General Maximum Height: 8 feet (residential). Front/Corner Side Yard Solid Fence: 3 feet maximum. Front Yard Open Fence (less than 50% opaque): Up to 4 feet. Front Yard Open Fence (less than 20% opaque): Up to 5 feet. Barbed Wire: Prohibited on residential property; banned within 4 ft of street/sidewalk/alley.

Erecting a fence taller than the limits in Ch. 13.602 (now Ch. 44, Div. 6), using prohibited materials such as barbed wire on residential property, or installing a fence without the required city permit can result in municipal forfeitures, stop-work orders, and an order to remove or alter the fence. Enforcement is handled by the Green Bay Inspection Department within the Community and Economic Development Department (920-448-3300); unresolved violations are referred to municipal court and processed through Brown 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

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.