Height Limits: Appleton vs Kaukauna
How do height limits rules compare between Appleton, WI and Kaukauna, WI?
Appleton and Kaukauna have similar restriction levels.
Appleton, WI
Outagamie County
Appleton Municipal Code Sec. 23-44 (Title 23, Zoning) caps boundary fences at 6 feet in residential districts and 12 feet in commercial/industrial districts. No boundary fence, wall, hedge, or row planting may exceed 3 feet between the front yard setback line and the abutting lot lines. Sound barrier fences along arterial/collector streets are limited to 8 feet (double-frontage lots) or 6 feet (corner lots), and freeway sound barrier fences/walls are capped at 20 feet. A fence permit ($50) is required from the Department of Public Works.
View full Appleton rules →Kaukauna, WI
Outagamie County
The City of Kaukauna's Residential Fence Code Requirements limit front yard fences to 3 1/2 feet in height with 50% visibility, while side and rear yard fences may reach up to 6 feet. A fence permit is required (currently $60) and is processed through Cloud Permit by the Building Inspector at 144 W. Second Street. Corner lots are also subject to a vision clearance rule that bars any fence, wall, hedge, planting, or structure from obstructing vision more than 2 1/2 feet above street centerlines within 50 feet of street intersections and 10 feet of street-alley intersections. The local zoning code is adopted under the authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23.
View full Kaukauna rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Appleton | Kaukauna |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Boundary | 6 ft maximum | - |
| Commercial/Industrial Boundary | 12 ft maximum | - |
| Front Yard Setback Area | 3 ft maximum (incl. hedges) | - |
| Sound Barrier Arterial/Collector | 8 ft double-frontage; 6 ft corner | - |
| Sound Barrier Freeway | 20 ft maximum | - |
| Vision Corner | 3 ft within 25-ft triangle | - |
| Alley Setback | 5 ft from right-of-way | - |
| Permit Fee | $50 (Department of Public Works) | $60 |
| Local Code | Sec. 23-44, Title 23 Zoning | - |
| State Authority | Wis. Stat. §62.23, Chapter 90 | Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23 (zoning); Ch. 90 (partition fences) |
| Front Yard Maximum | - | 3 1/2 ft (50% visibility required) |
| Side Yard Maximum | - | 6 ft |
| Rear Yard Maximum | - | 6 ft |
| Corner Vision Triangle | - | 2 1/2 ft within 50 ft of intersection |
| Alley Vision Triangle | - | 2 1/2 ft within 10 ft of street-alley intersection |
| Permit Required | - | Yes (Cloud Permit application) |
| Approved Materials | - | Fence wire or treated fence wood |
| Prohibited Materials | - | Barbed/razor wire, chicken wire, sheet metal, plywood, old doors |
| Finished Side | - | Supporting members must face interior of lot |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Appleton FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in Appleton?
Up to 6 feet in residential districts as a boundary fence, measured at grade. Posts and post caps may project up to 4 additional inches. The fence must sit at least 5 feet from any improved public alley right-of-way, and the finished side must face your neighbor's property.
Can I put a 6-foot fence along my front yard?
No. Between the front yard setback line and the abutting lot lines, fences, walls, hedges, and row plantings may not exceed 3 feet. Fences in the front yard must also be made of wood, brick, vinyl, wrought iron, or stone — galvanized chain link is prohibited in front yards.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Appleton?
Yes. Fence permits are issued by the Department of Public Works at City Hall (100 N. Appleton Street, 5th floor). The permit fee is $50, and you must bring a drawing of your lot showing where the fence will be located. Properties zoned PD (Planned Development) require Planning Department review and approval before a permit can issue.
Kaukauna FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in Kaukauna?
Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet in height. Front yard fences are limited to 3 1/2 feet and must have at least 50% visibility (open design). All fences require a permit through Cloud Permit before construction begins.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Kaukauna?
Yes. A fence permit is required for any residential fence and is obtained through Cloud Permit. The fee is $60. Your application must include the fence location, materials, height, length, and project cost. Questions can be directed to the Building Inspector at 920-766-6315.
Are there special rules for corner lots in Kaukauna?
Yes. On corner lots, no fence, wall, hedge, planting, or structure may obstruct vision greater than 2 1/2 feet above the abutting street centerlines within 50 feet of a street intersection or 10 feet of a street-alley intersection. The supporting/structural side of the fence must also face the interior of your lot.
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