Madison allows most typical fence materials (wood, vinyl, chain link, ornamental metal, composite) under MGO Chapter 28. Barbed wire and electric fences are restricted in residential zones. Historic districts have material review.
MGO Chapter 28 does not mandate a specific fence material for most residential districts. Permitted materials include wood (cedar, pine, redwood), vinyl, PVC, chain link, wrought iron, ornamental aluminum, composite, and masonry. Materials must be weather-durable and maintained in good condition. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones and permitted only in agricultural and certain industrial zones, typically atop taller commercial fencing. Electric fences are similarly restricted. Razor wire is broadly prohibited in the city. Historic districts (Mansion Hill, Third Lake Ridge, University Heights, First Settlement) require the Landmarks Commission to approve fence materials through a certificate of appropriateness; traditional wood and iron are favored. HOAs may restrict materials further. The good side of a fence (finished side) is generally required to face outward toward the street or neighbor.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Madison's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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