New Berlin, WI Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Chapter 275 (Zoning) is adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23. Fence height is measured from the average grade of the ground beneath the fence. Residential standards: front yard fences may not be located closer to the street than the base setback line and may not exceed 50 inches; vision clearance triangle fences may not exceed 36 inches above mean street grade; side and rear yard fences may not exceed 74 inches. Nonresidential fences may not exceed 98 inches. Maintenance-free materials (cedar, chain-link, wrought iron, aluminum, PVC/recycled materials, removable fencing, pressure-treated wood, and others approved by the Director) may be located on the lot line; non-maintenance-free fences must be set back at least 2 feet from the property line. Common-lot-line fencing with a finished side facing both properties, maintained by both owners under a prior agreement, is allowed with a survey. Fences must be located outside public easement areas unless Plan Commission approval is granted, and may not block or impact existing drainage patterns; grade changes must follow Sec. 275-55. Structural and support components must face away from adjacent properties. Fences must be constructed straight and plumb (split-rail and similar fences require Plan Commission review). Nonresidential district fences must also adhere to Sec. 275-59. Fences must be maintained in good repair; signs, displays, and storage of materials between the fence and lot line are prohibited. Snow fences are exempt if installed no earlier than November 1 and removed no later than April 1. Windscreens are allowed seasonally in Institutional and Park districts. Wisconsin's partition-fence statutes (Wis. Stat. Chapter 90) also apply to shared boundary fences.