Fence Regulations in Little Chute, WI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Little Chute or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Little Chute has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Height Limits

Little Chute Code of Ordinances Sec. 44-394 (Chapter 44, Zoning) regulates fences in the Village. Within the required 25-foot front yard setback, no fence may exceed 42 inches in height; on corner lots this restriction applies to both yards adjacent to the streets. Behind the front yard setback, fences may not exceed 6 feet in total measured height. A 4-foot (48-inch) fence is permitted in the front setback if it has a 50% see-through design. Fences must sit along (but not straddle) the lot line, and electrified, barbed wire, and razor wire fences are prohibited in residential areas. Permits are issued by the Village Community Development Department.

Key details: Front Yard Setback (25 ft): 42 inches maximum. Front Setback (See-Through): 48 inches at 50% open design. Behind Front Setback: 6 feet maximum. Corner Lot Rule: 42-inch limit both street-facing yards. Lot Line Placement: Along but not straddling.

Constructing or maintaining a fence in excess of the Sec. 44-394 height limits, without the required Village fence permit, with prohibited materials (electrified, barbed wire, razor wire in residential), or that straddles the lot line can trigger municipal forfeitures and an order to remove or modify the fence. Enforcement is handled through the Village Community Development Department; unresolved violations are referred for citation and processed through Outagamie or Calumet County Circuit Court depending on parcel location.

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

Little Chute'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 Little Chute is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Little Chute'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.