Height Limits: Madison vs Sun Prairie
How do height limits rules compare between Madison, WI and Sun Prairie, WI?
Madison and Sun Prairie 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 →Sun Prairie, WI
Dane County
Sun Prairie regulates fences under Title 17 (Zoning), Section 17.36.200 of the Municipal Code. Residential fences may not exceed six (6) feet in height, except within twenty (20) feet of a street yard property line, where the maximum is four (4) feet. Fences along side and rear lot lines may sit on the property line, but must be set back at least two (2) feet from the street yard (front) property line. A building permit issued by the Sun Prairie Building Inspection Division (300 E. Main Street) is required prior to installation, and a final inspection verifying location, height, and materials is mandatory.
View full Sun Prairie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Sun Prairie |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 4 feet max | - |
| Side/Rear | 6 feet max | - |
| Commercial | Up to 8 ft typical | - |
| Code | MGO Chapter 28 | - |
| Historic Districts | Design review | - |
| Rear/Side Yard Maximum | - | 6 ft |
| Street Yard / Front (within 20 ft of ROW) | - | 4 ft maximum |
| Street Yard Setback | - | Minimum 2 ft from front property line |
| Side/Rear Property Line Setback | - | May sit on the property line |
| Corner Lot 6-ft Side Yard Fence | - | Allowed only with administrative Special Use Permit |
| Finished Side | - | Must face outward; posts on inside |
| Prohibited Materials | - | Barbed wire, razor wire, electric wire |
| Front Yard Materials | - | Chain link and wire mesh prohibited |
| Permit | - | Building permit required (Building Inspection Division) |
| Local Code | - | Sec. 17.36.200, Title 17 Zoning |
| State Authority | - | Wis. Stat. §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.
Sun Prairie FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in Sun Prairie?
Up to six (6) feet in the rear and side yards. The fence may be placed on the property line, and the decorative or finished side must face outward, with posts and supporting members on the inside. A building permit from the Building Inspection Division at 300 E. Main Street is required before installation.
Can I put a 6-foot fence along my front yard?
No. Within twenty (20) feet of any street yard property line, residential fences are limited to four (4) feet in height. Fences must also be set back at least two (2) feet from the front (street yard) property line, and chain link or wire mesh fences are not permitted in front or street yards.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Sun Prairie?
Yes. All fences require a building permit from the Sun Prairie Building Inspection Division before installation. Apply through the ViewPoint online portal with a scaled site plan showing lot lines, easements, the fence location, and buildings. A final inspection (requested through the OpenGov portal) verifies location, height, and materials. Subdivision lots may also require HOA approval.
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