How Wausau Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide

Wausau maintains 26 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Wausau falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Height Limits

Wausau regulates fence heights through Title 23 (Zoning), Section 23.06.40(6) of the Wausau Municipal Code. In residential and mixed-use districts (SR-2, SR-3, SR-5, SR-7, MH-7, DR-8, TR-10, MR-12, MR-20, MR-50, NMU and others), fences are limited to four feet within the required or provided front yard and six feet in the side or rear yard. In commercial and industrial districts, the side/rear yard limit increases to eight feet, while the front yard limit stays at four feet. Fence permits are required by the City of Wausau Inspections Division (407 Grant St., 715-261-6780). Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 90 governs partition (boundary) fences between adjoining landowners statewide.

Key details: Front Yard Max (Residential): 4 feet. Side/Rear Max (Residential): 6 feet. Side/Rear Max (Commercial): 8 feet. Code Section: Wausau MC 23.06.40(6). Front-Yard Opacity: Max 50 percent opaque.

Building or expanding a fence without the required City of Wausau permit, or exceeding the height limits in Section 23.06.40(6), is a zoning violation. The Inspections Division can issue notices to correct, require an after-the-fact permit, or order removal or reduction of the offending fence. Continued violations can be enforced under the general penalty provisions of the Wausau Municipal Code, with daily fines accruing until the fence is brought into compliance. Front-yard fences that exceed 50 percent opacity or that obstruct intersection sight triangles are also subject to correction orders.

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

Wausau'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 Wausau is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Wausau's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.