Height Limits: Madison vs Middleton
How do height limits rules compare between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI?
Madison and Middleton have similar restriction levels.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Madison fence heights are set by MGO Chapter 28 (zoning). Typical limits: 4 feet in front yards, 6 feet in side and rear yards. Taller fences require a conditional use permit.
View full Madison rules →Middleton, WI
Dane County
City of Middleton Zoning Ordinance Sec. 10.06.40 limits residential fences to 6 feet in height (including posts) in side and rear yards. In the front or street yard, fences are capped at 3 feet in height with a maximum of 50% opacity. For corner properties on lakeshore lots, fences between the lakeshore and the rear or side yard facing the lake are limited to 3 feet. All fences must meet the visibility (vision triangle) standards in Sec. 10.06.05. A Shed/Fence Zoning Permit under Sec. 10.10.41 is required before construction; the one- and two-family fee is $80 ($50 zoning + $30 building).
View full Middleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Middleton |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 4 feet max | - |
| Side/Rear | 6 feet max | - |
| Commercial | Up to 8 ft typical | - |
| Code | MGO Chapter 28 | - |
| Historic Districts | Design review | - |
| Side/Rear Yard Maximum | - | 6 ft (incl. posts) |
| Front/Street Yard Maximum | - | 3 ft, 50% opacity |
| Lakeshore Corner Lots | - | 3 ft between lake and side/rear yard |
| Visibility Standards | - | Sec. 10.06.05 (sight triangle) |
| Permit Required | - | Yes (Sec. 10.10.41) |
| 1-2 Family Permit Fee | - | $80 ($50 zoning + $30 building) |
| Multi-Family/Commercial Fee | - | $130 ($100 zoning + $30 building) |
| Permit Decision | - | Within 30 days of application |
| Work Timeline | - | Begin within 365 days, finish within 730 |
| Local Code | - | Sec. 10.06.40, Chapter 10 Zoning |
| State Authority | - | Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23, Chapter 90 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Can I put a 6-foot privacy fence in my front yard?
No. Front yard fences are capped at 4 feet in most residential districts under MGO Chapter 28.
How is fence height measured in Madison?
From existing grade at the fence line to the top of the fence panel.
Middleton FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in Middleton?
Up to 6 feet in the side or rear yard, including the posts. The City of Middleton Zoning Ordinance Sec. 10.06.40 measures fence height inclusive of posts, so a 6-foot fence panel with taller posts above the panel would not comply. A Shed/Fence Zoning Permit is required before construction.
Can I put a 6-foot fence along my front yard?
No. In the front or street yard, fences are limited to 3 feet in height and a maximum of 50% opacity under Sec. 10.06.40. The 50% opacity rule means the fence must be at least half see-through (such as picket or wrought-iron style). Solid privacy fences are not allowed in the front yard.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Middleton?
Yes. Section 10.10.41 of the Middleton Zoning Ordinance requires a Shed/Fence Zoning Permit before any fence is erected or altered. The fee is $80 total ($50 zoning + $30 building) for one- and two-family properties. Submit the application and a site plan electronically to planning@cityofmiddleton.us. Permits are decided within 30 days, and work must begin within 365 days and be completed within 730 days.
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