Menasha, WI Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

The City of Menasha Community Development Department administers fence regulations adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23. Permits are required for any fence in the front yard, including on corner lots and through lots, and the application must include a sketch or design specifying height and location. Permits may include limitations on location, height, or materials and may be revoked if a fence poses a risk to health, safety, or general welfare. Height regulations: fences within the front yard setback may not exceed 3 feet 6 inches; fences in residential-zoned districts or residentially used properties may not exceed 6 feet, except those in a residential district abutting a commercial or industrial district may be up to 8 feet along the abutting side; all other fences may not exceed 8 feet. Height exceptions allow decorative posts spaced at least 24 inches apart to extend up to 8 inches above the maximum height; up to 6 inches of ground clearance for slope or lawn maintenance does not count toward height; and berms with slopes no steeper than 3 feet horizontal to 1 foot vertical do not count toward height. In residential districts, prohibited materials include barbed wire, electrical fences, strand fences, corrugated metal, razor wire, T-posts or U-posts, and any improvised material not traditionally used as a fence. Galvanized or coated chain link, fencing used for livestock, and chain mesh are prohibited within the front yard setback. Garden fences are exempt from Sec. 13-1-88 if not located in the front yard and at least 5 feet from any property line. Snow fencing is permitted only between November 15 and April 15. Pool and kennel fencing is governed by Sec. 13-1-89(d) and Sec. 7-1. Wisconsin partition-fence statutes in Wis. Stat. Chapter 90 also apply to shared boundary fences.