Fence Regulations in Waukesha, WI (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Waukesha, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
The City of Waukesha regulates fences in residential districts under Section 22.58 of the Municipal Code, adopted under the city's zoning authority at Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23(7). Standard residential fences may not exceed 6 feet in height. In the vision triangle at street intersections, street-alley intersections, and alley-alley intersections, fences are limited to 3 feet so they do not obstruct sight lines. Fences are not allowed in a required front yard, but are permitted in side and rear yards. No permit is required for residential fences, though all standards must be met.
Fence Height Limits in Waukesha
Some RestrictionsCity of Waukesha Municipal Code Sec. 22.58 - Accessory Use Regulations (Fences)
The maximum height of a fence is 6 feet unless located within a vision triangle. The maximum height of a fence located in the vision triangle is three feet.
Retaining Walls
Waukesha caps an unengineered retaining wall at four feet under Municipal Code Sec. 22.17, the Preservation of Topography section. A taller wall needs a registered engineer, architect, or landscape architect to certify it will not collapse before the City will allow it between adjacent lots.
Retaining Wall Height Limits in Waukesha
Some RestrictionsWaukesha Municipal Code Sec. 22.17
If the difference in grade between two (2) adjacent lots along a lot line is to be not greater at any point than two (2) feet, this difference in levels may be slopped toward or away from the lot line at a gradient of one (1) foot vertical or three (3) feet horizontal, and as soon as practical must be covered adequately with top soil and sodded to prevent erosion; or a retaining wall of stone o...
Material Restrictions
Waukesha bans barbed wire and electric fences almost everywhere: they are allowed only in the T-1 Temporary zoning district and only to contain livestock. Non-residential security fences can carry barbed wire on top, but only at least eight feet above grade, and a separate nuisance ordinance bans low barbed wire within five feet of the ground citywide.
Barbed Wire Fence Rules in Waukesha
Significant RestrictionsWaukesha Municipal Code Sec. 22.58(2)
Barbed-wire fences and electric fences are permitted only in the T-1 Temporary district, and only for control of livestock. ... Security Fences may include up to four strands of barbed wire on the top of the fence provided that the barbed wire is at least 8 feet above grade, and the vertical supports for the barbed wire shall either extend vertically or slant inward away from the property line.
Looking for Waukesha County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Waukesha city rules.
Fence Regulations in Waukesha County →