West Allis, WI Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard
- No fence in setback
- Side/rear yard
- Up to 6 feet
- Corner lot
- Short side = front, no fence
- Sightline triangle
- 3-ft max near intersections (§13.30)
Summary
West Allis caps residential fences at six feet in side and rear yards, bans them in required front-yard setbacks, and applies the same rule to the street-facing side of corner lots.
Front yards. Fences are not permitted in required front yard setbacks as determined by the Zoning Code, Chapter 12. Side and rear yards. Fences are permitted, not to exceed six (6) feet in height, in the side and rear yards. Corner lots. The shorter dimension of a corner lot abutting a street shall be considered the front yard and shall not be permitted to have a fence in the required front yard setback regardless of the property address or other designation of the lot. The longer dimension of a corner lot abutting a street shall be considered a side yard and fences shall be allowed, not to exceed six (6) feet in height. Through lots. Fences shall be permitted in rear and side yards of through lots, not to exceed six (6) feet in height, as determined by the setbacks set when the dwelling was constructed. Uses other than one- and two-family uses. Fences are permitted as approved in RMC 12.13 for site changes. Fence height shall be determined by the distance from the top of the fence materials, excluding posts, to the grade on either side of the fence, whichever is greater. Fence Construction Requirements. [Ord. O-2015-0045, 9/15/2015]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
Under West Allis's fence regulations, one- and two-family properties may not put a fence in the required front-yard setback at all. Side and rear yards allow fences up to six feet, measured from the top of the fence material to whichever adjoining grade is higher. On a corner lot, the shorter street-facing dimension counts as the front yard and stays fence-free in the setback, while the longer dimension is treated as a side yard and may carry a six-foot fence. Separately, obstructions near street and alley corners are capped at three feet within the sightline triangle under Section 13.30.
Violations & Fines
A fence taller than six feet in a side or rear yard, or any fence built in a required front-yard setback or corner sightline triangle, violates the code and can be ordered removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard fence be in West Allis?
Can I put a fence along the street side of my corner lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
How West Allis compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare West Allis to another location·View the Wisconsin fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle height limits.