De Pere, WI Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Sec. 54-7(c)(7) of the Code of Ordinances lists the fencing materials barred from residential lots in De Pere. Barbed wire fences are prohibited outright, as is permanent chicken wire. Wire or plastic mesh fencing is allowed only if its mesh wire is thicker than 11-gauge; anything with a wire mesh diameter thinner than 11-gauge wire is banned, which rules out most lightweight garden or rabbit fencing. Hardware cloth and snow fencing are separately prohibited, and the ordinance closes with a broad category for agricultural fencing, including, but not limited to, deer fencing, electrical fences, and single, double and triple strand fences, sweeping in farm-style wire fencing regardless of the number of strands.

These bans sit alongside the general rule in Sec. 54-7(b) that no fence anywhere in the city may have sharp or pointed pickets dangerous to life or limb, and the commercial and industrial standard in Sec. 54-7(f), which separately forbids barbed wire, rods, bands or other material dangerous to life and limb within four feet of a public street, sidewalk or alley even outside residential zones. Because Sec. 54-7(c)(7) sits inside the residential fence subsection, the ban applies wherever the height and setback rules of Sec.

54-7(c) apply, front, side and rear yards on residential lots alike, and is enforced by the same building inspector who reviews the permit required for any fence under Sec. 54-3(f)(2).