Racine County does not impose a general height cap on residential fences in unincorporated areas. Under Section 20-1086 of the County Zoning Ordinance, residential fences are regulated only when they obstruct traffic visibility on corner lots, are located near a navigable body of water, or fall within a shoreland-wetland or floodplain area. Section 20-1045 prohibits structures (including fences) within the 75-foot shore-yard setback from the ordinary high-water mark of navigable waters, although open fences may be allowed in the setback. Non-residential security fences require a permit. Contact Racine County Development Services at 262-886-8440.
Racine County regulates fences through Chapter 20 (Zoning) of its Code of Ordinances. Section 20-1086 governs fence placement and visibility: all fences must be designed so they do not obstruct traffic visibility at street intersections. Residential fences are otherwise minimally regulated by the county - the County FAQ explicitly states that residential fences are only controlled when they (1) obstruct traffic visibility on corner lots, (2) will be located near a navigable body of water (lake, river, pond, flowage), or (3) will be in a shoreland-wetland or floodplain area. Section 20-1045 implements Wisconsin's shoreland-zoning requirements (Wis. Stat. § 59.692 and Wis. Admin. Code NR 115) by prohibiting structures within the 75-foot shore-yard setback from the ordinary high-water mark; the term 'structure' includes fences, ice-fishing shanties, and accessory buildings. Open fences (those that do not visually screen) may be permitted within the 75-foot setback. Non-residential security fences require a separate permit. The county does not require a permit for typical residential privacy fences in inland areas, but towns and villages within the county may impose stricter rules - check with your town clerk before construction. Permits and zoning questions are handled by Racine County Development Services at 262-886-8440. Authority for county zoning derives from Wis. Stat. § 59.69, and shoreland authority from § 59.692.
Building a fence within the 75-foot shoreland setback in violation of Section 20-1045, or installing any fence that obstructs sight-distance triangles at intersections in violation of Section 20-1086, can trigger a zoning enforcement action by Racine County Development Services. Remedies include a notice of violation, an order to remove or relocate the fence, after-the-fact permit fees, and forfeitures under the county's general penalty schedule. Persistent non-compliance may be referred to the Racine County Corporation Counsel for circuit-court enforcement under Wis. Stat. § 59.69(11).
See how Racine County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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