De Pere Municipal Code section 54-7 caps residential fences at 3 feet in front yards and corner side yards within the building setback, 4 feet for see-through styles on non-corner lots, and 6 feet on side and rear boundary lines. Commercial and industrial fences may reach 8 feet, and a building permit from the Building Inspector is required before installation.
De Pere's fence rules are administered under DPMC section 54-7 by the Building Inspection Department at 335 S. Broadway. Residential fences may not exceed 3 feet in height within the front yard or corner side yard building setback limits. A height of 4 feet is allowed in front yards and corner side yards of lots that are not corner or through lots if the fence is a see-through design with at least 60 percent visibility, such as chain-link or a small-diameter picket style. On all other boundary lines (interior side and rear), fences may reach a maximum of 6 feet. Commercial and industrial fences are capped at 8 feet, with arms or extensions required to project into the lot rather than over the right-of-way. Permanent chicken wire, barbed wire, electrical fences (single, double, or triple strand), and snow fences are prohibited, and no fence may have sharp or pointed pickets dangerous to life or limb. Barbed wire and similar materials are also prohibited within 4 feet of any public street, sidewalk, or alley. The attractive side of a fence must face the adjoining property, with posts on the owner's side. Height is measured from finished grade to the top of the highest panel; where grade differs across a retaining wall or berm, the average is used. Fences may run up to but not over the property line, and easement encroachments may be removed by utilities at the owner's expense. A building permit is required before construction, alteration, or repair of any fence under the City's accessory structure rule. Hedges count as fences but may grow to natural height except where they create a traffic hazard within a street right-of-way setback, where the Chief of Police can direct trimming. Violations carry a forfeiture of $5 to $200 per offense, with each day a continuing violation. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 90 and section 62.23 grant the City this zoning and fence authority.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
De Pere, WI
De Pere regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
De Pere, WI
De Pere considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
De Pere, WI
De Pere enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. The Fox River downtown area has entertainment venues that follow sound level limits. St. Norbert College cam...
De Pere, WI
De Pere enforces street parking restrictions locally. Winter alternate-side parking critical. No statewide consecutive parking limit. WI Stat. §346.503 applies.
De Pere, WI
De Pere restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
De Pere, WI
De Pere requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
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