Marathon County, WI Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed wire
- Banned in residential districts
- Exception
- Agricultural uses exempted
- Approved materials
- Wood, brick, masonry, vinyl, coated chain link
- Coverage
- Unincorporated towns adopting county zoning only
Summary
Marathon County's zoning code bans barbed wire and similar hazardous fencing materials in residential districts, with an exception for agricultural uses, but only in the unincorporated towns that have adopted county zoning.
Materials. Barbed wire and other similar hazardous materials are prohibited in residential districts, except for agricultural uses.
3. Fences in shoreland areas refer to Chapter 22 Marathon County Shoreland, Shoreland-Wetland and Floodplain and NR 115.
B. Nonresidential Districts.
1. Location in Front Yards. In nonresidential districts and non-single-family lots in the U-R -District, fences and walls may be permitted in any front yard provided that the fence or wall does not exceed a maximum height of four feet.
2. Location in Side and Rear Yards. Fences or walls may be permitted in any required side or rear yard to a maximum height of six feet. In the case of fences/walls required to screen outdoor storage areas, the fence/wall height shall be one foot higher than the material to be screened, or 12 feet, whichever is lower.
C. General Requirements. All fences and walls shall comply with the following general requirements:
1. Materials.
a. In and Near Residential Districts. Materials used for fences and walls located in or within 200 feet of a residential district shall consist of treated wood or wood which is recognized and approved as a durable species, brick, masonry, vinyl, vinyl-coated chain link, metal bars not exceeding 1½ inches in diameter or other durable and weather- resistant materials which may be approved by the zoning official.
2. Maintenance. Walls and fences shall be maintained in good condition. Rotten, crumbled, or broken
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 17.401.05.A.2 of the county's Zoning Code prohibits barbed wire and other similarly hazardous fencing materials in residential districts, except on agricultural land. Section 17.401.05.C.1.a further requires fences in or near residential districts to use treated or durable wood, brick, masonry, vinyl, vinyl-coated chain link, or metal bars no thicker than 1½ inches, subject to Zoning Administrator approval. This chapter governs only unincorporated towns that have adopted the county's general zoning ordinance under Wis. Stat. § 59.69: it does not reach into Wausau, Mosinee, Rothschild, or the county's other incorporated cities and villages.
Violations & Fines
Violations are declared public nuisances under Sec. 17.807; the Zoning Administrator issues a notice, and unresolved cases draw a forfeiture under County Code Ch. 25.04 plus prosecution costs, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a barbed wire fence in Marathon County?
Does this rule apply inside Wausau or Mosinee?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marathon County
Compare Marathon County to another location·View the Wisconsin fence regulations overview
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