Milwaukee bans barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential districts. Plastic chain-link slatting, wood, vinyl, masonry, and wrought iron are permitted.
Milwaukee Chapter 295 prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, concertina wire, and electrified fences in all residential zoning districts. These materials are only permitted in industrial districts with Board of Zoning Appeals approval. Approved residential materials include wood (cedar, pine, redwood), vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, composite, chain-link with or without slats, and masonry. Historic districts such as Brewers Hill, Concordia, and the Third Ward have additional material and design requirements reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission before permits issue.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Milwaukee code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 80 nuisance authority and Chapter 275 property maintenance provis...
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 80-63 noise standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants and Histori...
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through DNS LMS Onli...
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee has no specific smoker ordinance. Chapter 80 (Public Nuisance) and Chapter 200-50 (Health Code) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wis...
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Fire Code (Chapter 215) adopts the 2015 IFC with local amendments. IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tanks over 1 lb on c...
See how Milwaukee's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.