Fence Regulations in Milwaukee, WI (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Milwaukee caps residential fences at 4 feet in front and side street yards, 6 feet in side and rear yards, under the zoning code's design standards.
Milwaukee Fence Height Rules
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 295-505-4-f (Zoning, Design Standards)
f-2. Fences in Front Yards. A fence located in a front yard shall not exceed 4 feet in height. However, an ornamental metal fence may be erected to a height of 6 feet... f-4. Fences in Rear Yards. A fence located in a rear yard may be erected to a height of 6 feet... f-14. Prohibited Fence Materials. Barbed-wire, concertina-wire and razor-wire fences are prohibited.
Fence Permit Requirements
Milwaukee requires a construction permit to erect a fence, with a $25 construction fee plus a $35 processing fee charged for every fence permit issued.
Milwaukee Fence Construction Permit Fee
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 200-33-14.5
14.5. FENCES. a. There shall be a $25 fee for the construction of fences. b. There shall be a processing fee of $35 for each fence construction permit issued.
Retaining Walls
Milwaukee requires a building permit for any retaining wall supporting 32 inches or more of unbalanced fill; shorter walls are exempt unless they hold back liquids or carry a surcharge load.
Milwaukee Retaining Wall Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 200-24-1.5-e
Retaining walls supporting less than 32 inches of unbalanced fill. This exception shall not apply to any wall impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids, or supporting a surcharge other than ordinary unbalanced fill.
Material Restrictions
Milwaukee's zoning code prohibits barbed wire, concertina wire and razor wire on fences in residential districts. The city allows chain link, wood, ornamental metal and similar materials instead, with height limits by yard.
Milwaukee Bars Barbed Wire on Residential Fences
Heavy RestrictionsMilwaukee Code of Ordinances § 295-505-4-f-14
Prohibited Fence Materials. Barbed-wire, concertina-wire and razor-wire fences are prohibited.
Looking for Milwaukee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Milwaukee city rules.
Fence Regulations in Milwaukee County →