Burlington Code Chapter 315 (Zoning) caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards. Front (street) yard fences are limited to 4 feet if at least 80% open or 3 feet if less open. Decorative walls cannot exceed 12 feet and decorative fences cannot exceed 10 feet. A fence permit from the Building Inspector is required citywide.
Burlington's fence regulations are codified in Chapter 315 of the Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance), under the article covering Traffic, Loading, Parking, Access, Fences and Landscaping. In residential side and rear yards, fences may not exceed 6 feet in height. In the street yard (front yard), fences with at least 80% open space (such as picket or wrought iron) are limited to 4 feet, while fences with less than 80% open space are limited to 3 feet β unless the fence screens a parking lot from a residential district, in which case it may reach 4 feet. Decorative walls cannot exceed 12 feet and decorative fences cannot exceed 10 feet, and decorative fencing may not include chain-link or wire mesh. Fence height is measured from the ground to the top of the fence section, with the average height between two posts controlling. A post, post cap, or ornamental feature may exceed the limit, but if the excess is more than 6 inches the Building Inspector may require Plan Commission review. Fences are permitted on or near property lines in all districts. A fence permit from the Building Inspector is required for any fence in the city, with a fee set by the Common Council. Application materials include a plat of survey showing the fence location, materials, height, and design. Wisconsin's enabling statute Wis. Stat. Β§62.23 authorizes city zoning authority. Vision-clearance triangles at corner lots and driveways apply under the same chapter to maintain sight distance. Pool barriers must additionally meet the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code SPS 326 fencing standard.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Burlington, WI
Burlington regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. Β§947.01 applies.
Burlington, WI
Burlington considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. Β§174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Burlington, WI
Burlington enforces quiet hours in this small city (pop. 11,000) known as Chocolate City USA. Annual ChocolateFest and other downtown events require noise ma...
Burlington, WI
Burlington manages parking around the historic downtown and during festival events. ChocolateFest and holiday events create seasonal parking demand. Winter a...
Burlington, WI
Burlington restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Burlington, WI
Burlington requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Racine County.
See how other cities in Racine County handle height limits.
See how Burlington's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.