Fitchburg Code of Ordinances Ch. 22 (Zoning), Sec. 22-56(10), caps perimeter fences (those located within five feet of a lot line) at 6 feet in height and prohibits them from extending forward of the front face of the house. Fences in front yards must be decorative only, with at least 50 percent of their bulk consisting of air space, and may not exceed 4 feet in height. Chicken wire, woven wire, barbed wire, razor wire, electric wire, and similar hazardous materials are prohibited. Building or zoning permits are not required for fence construction in Fitchburg, but the regulations are still enforceable through the Planning and Zoning Department.
Chapter 22 of the Fitchburg Code of Ordinances is the city's Zoning Ordinance, adopted under the authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23 (city planning and zoning). Sec. 22-56(10) sets the citywide fence standards that apply across residential districts. Subsection (b) defines a perimeter fence as one located within 5 feet of a lot line and limits perimeter fence height to 6 feet, while also prohibiting perimeter fences from extending forward of the front face of the house (subject to the front-yard exception). Subsection (c) applies to fences in front yards, whether perimeter or interior, requiring that they be decorative only, that at least 50 percent of their bulk consist of air space, and that they not exceed 4 feet in height. Subsection (a) requires fences to be kept in good repair, with the decorative side facing outward and supporting members or braces on the inside, and prohibits chicken wire, woven wire, barbed wire, razor wire, electric wire, hazardous wire edges, and similar materials. Although a building or zoning permit is not required to construct a fence, fences must still comply with all dimensional and material standards and with vision-clearance rules at street intersections and driveways. Wisconsin's partition-fence statutes in Wis. Stat. Chapter 90 (including Sec. 90.03) also apply to shared boundary fences between adjoining properties.
Fences exceeding the 6-foot perimeter or 4-foot front-yard height limits, fences using prohibited materials such as barbed or electric wire, or fences extending forward of the front face of the house can trigger zoning enforcement by the Fitchburg Planning and Zoning Department. The city may issue notices of violation and orders to remove or modify the fence, with continued noncompliance referred for municipal citation. Forfeitures and court costs are processed through Dane County Circuit Court.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under WI Stat. §947.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg enforces street parking restrictions locally. Winter alternate-side parking critical. No statewide consecutive parking limit. WI Stat. §346.503 app...
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Fitchburg, WI
Fitchburg requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how other cities in Dane County handle height limits.
See how Fitchburg'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.