Sun Prairie regulates fences under Title 17 (Zoning), Section 17.36.200 of the Municipal Code. Residential fences may not exceed six (6) feet in height, except within twenty (20) feet of a street yard property line, where the maximum is four (4) feet. Fences along side and rear lot lines may sit on the property line, but must be set back at least two (2) feet from the street yard (front) property line. A building permit issued by the Sun Prairie Building Inspection Division (300 E. Main Street) is required prior to installation, and a final inspection verifying location, height, and materials is mandatory.
Sun Prairie's fence regulations are part of Title 17 of the Municipal Code (the Zoning Ordinance), adopted under the authority of Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23 (city planning and zoning). Section 17.36.200 sets the residential fence standards. The maximum height of any residential fence, landscape wall, or decorative post is six (6) feet, except where located within twenty (20) feet of a street yard property line, in which case the maximum height is four (4) feet. Fences may be located on any property line abutting a side or rear yard, and must sit a minimum of two (2) feet from the street yard property line (right-of-way). For corner or double-frontage residential lots, a six-foot fence may be placed within twenty feet of a street yard property line on the side yard with administrative approval of a special use permit (SUP), provided the fence is set back to allow landscaping on the external side and the additional height does not obstruct vision at intersecting streets, driveways, sidewalks, or other traffic. The decorative or finished side of the fence must face outward, with supporting members and posts on the inside. Permitted materials include brick, stone, wood, wrought iron, vinyl, chain link (rear/side yards only), and wire mesh (rear/side yards only); barbed wire, razor wire, and electric wire are prohibited, and chain link and wire mesh are not permitted in front or street yards. A building permit application (filed via the city's ViewPoint portal) and a scaled site plan showing lot lines, easements, fence location, and buildings are required. Subdivision properties may also need HOA approval. Wisconsin's partition-fence statutes (Wis. Stat. Chapter 90) also apply to shared boundary fences between adjoining owners.
Constructing a fence taller than the 6-ft (rear/side) or 4-ft (street yard) limits, encroaching within the 2-ft street-yard setback, using prohibited materials (barbed wire, razor wire, electric wire, or chain link/wire mesh in front yards), or installing a fence without a building permit can trigger municipal enforcement by the Building Inspection Division. Owners may be ordered to remove or modify the fence and may face citations and forfeitures prosecuted in Dane County Circuit Court. A required final inspection that fails (for incorrect location, height, or materials) must be corrected before the permit is closed.
Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. WI Stat. §947.01 applies.
Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under WI Stat. §947.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie enforces alternate-side parking November through March and 48-hour maximum street parking. Snow emergencies declared during heavy snowfall ban pa...
Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Weight, size, and signage limits apply. Overnight heavy truck storage prohibited.
Sun Prairie, WI
Sun Prairie requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
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