Under Green Bay's zoning ordinance (historically Code 1984 Sec. 13.602, now codified in Chapter 13/Chapter 44 Article V Division 6 of the Code of Ordinances), fences and walls in residential areas may generally be built up to 8 feet tall. Within a required front yard or corner side yard setback, a solid fence may not exceed 3 feet, but it may be increased to 4 feet if the fence is open, decorative, ornamental fencing material that is less than 50% opaque, and to 5 feet if it is less than 20% opaque. Barbed wire and similar dangerous materials are prohibited on residentially zoned property and within 4 feet of any public street, sidewalk, or alley. A city fence permit is required before construction.
Green Bay regulates fence height through its Zoning Ordinance, originally codified at Code 1984 Sec. 13.602 and carried forward in the recodified Chapter 44 (Zoning), Article V (General Regulations), Division 6 (Fences). Authority is delegated by Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23 (city planning and zoning). The general maximum height for a fence or wall in residential districts is 8 feet, measured from grade. Within a required front yard setback or corner side yard setback, a solid fence is limited to 3 feet so it does not block sight lines. That limit is raised to 4 feet for open decorative or ornamental fencing that is less than 50% opaque, and to 5 feet if the fence is less than 20% opaque (e.g., wrought iron pickets, open ornamental aluminum). No fence containing barbed wire, razor wire, or similar dangerous material may be installed on residentially zoned property, and no such fence may be placed within 4 feet of any public street, sidewalk, or alley anywhere in the city. The city's Inspection Department issues fence permits and reviews plans for setback, location relative to the right-of-way, and vision-clearance triangles at intersections and driveways. Wisconsin partition-fence statutes (Wis. Stat. Chapter 90) apply to shared boundary fences between adjoining owners.
Erecting a fence taller than the limits in Ch. 13.602 (now Ch. 44, Div. 6), using prohibited materials such as barbed wire on residential property, or installing a fence without the required city permit can result in municipal forfeitures, stop-work orders, and an order to remove or alter the fence. Enforcement is handled by the Green Bay Inspection Department within the Community and Economic Development Department (920-448-3300); unresolved violations are referred to municipal court and processed through Brown County Circuit Court.
Green Bay, WI
Green Bay regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Green Bay, WI
Green Bay considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Green Bay, WI
Green Bay enforces quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM in residential zones. Lambeau Field game days bring significant crowd noise to surrounding neighborhoods. The Br...
Green Bay, WI
Green Bay has strict parking rules especially around Lambeau Field on game days. Winter overnight parking ban November through March for snow removal. Reside...
Green Bay, WI
Green Bay restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Green Bay, WI
Green Bay requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
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