Fence Regulations in West Allis, WI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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

Height Limits

West Allis caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards, prohibits fences in the required front yard, and limits fences inside the corner-lot vision triangle to 3 feet. Fence permits are not required citywide, but the standards in Revised Municipal Code §13.31 (Fences and Site Obstructions) and the underlying zoning ordinance must still be met.

Key details: Side/Rear Max Height: 6 ft to property line. Front Yard: Fences prohibited in required front yard. Vision Triangle: 3 ft max inside corner sight triangle. Finished Side: Good side must face neighbors. Permit: No city fence permit required.

Fences exceeding 6 feet, encroaching on the required front yard, or violating the corner-lot vision triangle are subject to municipal enforcement under Chapter 13 and the West Allis general penalty provisions. The Department of Code Enforcement typically issues a correction notice ordering removal or modification; unresolved violations are referred for citation and forfeiture through Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Neighbor Fence Rules

West Allis requires the finished side of fences face neighbors. Shared boundary fences follow WI line fence statute. Disputes handled through city mediation or town supervisor process.

Key details: Finished Side: Must face neighbor. Line Fence: WI Stat. 90.02. Disputes: City mediation. Cost Sharing: Per state statute.

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

West Allis'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 West Allis is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on West Allis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.