Appleton, WI Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Sec. 23-44(a)(2) sets Appleton's fence-material rules. Subsection a draws a hard line on hazard-style fencing: barbed wire, electrical fences, and single, double or triple strand wire fences are prohibited everywhere in the City except the AG agricultural, M-1 industrial park and M-2 general industrial districts, where farm and heavy-industrial security needs are recognized. Subsection b then sets the baseline material list for every other zoning district: naturally resistant or treated wood board, vinyl, galvanized or vinyl-coated chain link, wrought iron, brick, natural stone, masonry, or another material the Community Development Director approves; chain link fence slats remain subject to the section's other provisions.

Front yards carry a tighter list still. Subsection c limits front-yard fences and walls to wood, brick, vinyl, wrought iron or stone, and specifically bars galvanized chain link from the front yard even though chain link is allowed as a side- or rear-yard material under subsection b. Subsection d requires the finished side of any fence, meaning the side without visible posts or structural framing, to face the adjoining property, with the post/stud side turned toward the fence owner's own building. An exception in subsection (3) lifts the strand-fence and barbed-wire ban for protective security fencing on industrial sites, public land, or semi-private land such as churches or utility substations, but only if the barbed wire sits at least 7 feet above grade and the fence stays at least two-thirds open to vision along its length.