Kaukauna's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Kaukauna, 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.

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.

Height Limits

The City of Kaukauna's Residential Fence Code Requirements limit front yard fences to 3 1/2 feet in height with 50% visibility, while side and rear yard fences may reach up to 6 feet. A fence permit is required (currently $60) and is processed through Cloud Permit by the Building Inspector at 144 W. Second Street. Corner lots are also subject to a vision clearance rule that bars any fence, wall, hedge, planting, or structure from obstructing vision more than 2 1/2 feet above street centerlines within 50 feet of street intersections and 10 feet of street-alley intersections. The local zoning code is adopted under the authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23.

Key details: Front Yard Maximum: 3 1/2 ft (50% visibility required). Side Yard Maximum: 6 ft. Rear Yard Maximum: 6 ft. Corner Vision Triangle: 2 1/2 ft within 50 ft of intersection. Alley Vision Triangle: 2 1/2 ft within 10 ft of street-alley intersection.

Constructing or maintaining a fence that exceeds the 3 1/2-foot front yard or 6-foot side/rear yard limits, using prohibited materials (barbed wire, razor wire, chicken wire, sheet metal, plywood, old doors), failing to obtain the required fence permit, installing a fence with the supporting side facing outward, or violating the corner-lot vision clearance triangle can each trigger an order from the Building Inspector to modify or remove the fence and may result in municipal forfeitures. Continued non-compliance is referred for citation and prosecuted through Outagamie County Circuit Court.

The Bottom Line

Kaukauna'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 Kaukauna is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Kaukauna can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.