Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Neenah

Neenah, WI Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Barbed/electric wire
Banned on ordinary lots
Also banned
Aluminum siding, vehicle parts, chicken wire
Chain link
Rough edge must face down
Industrial exception
Barbed wire allowed 7+ ft up

Summary

Neenah bans electrically charged and barbed wire fencing on ordinary lots, plus junk materials like aluminum siding, vehicle parts, chicken wire, and tarps used as fencing.

Chain link fences shall be installed with the rough edge down, so as to provide a safe top finish edge. Electrically charged or barbed wire fencing shall not be allowed unless specifically permitted by this code. ... Prohibited fence materials shall include, but are not limited to, aluminum siding, vehicle parts, chicken wire, cloth or plastic tarps, scrap wood or any other material not customarily sold for fencing or deemed inappropriate by the Director of Community Development.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).

Full Breakdown

Neenah Municipal Code § 21-38(c)(5)-(6) bars electrically charged or barbed wire fencing unless the Code specifically permits it, and separately prohibits using aluminum siding, vehicle parts, chicken wire, cloth or plastic tarps, scrap wood, or any material 'not customarily sold for fencing': the Director of Community Development can also flag other materials as inappropriate. Chain link fencing is allowed but must be installed with the rough edge down for a safe top edge. The barbed-wire ban is for ordinary lots: § 21-38(d)(1) lets industrial guard fences carry barbed wire, so long as it sits at least seven feet above grade and doesn't overhang a public walk, road, or neighboring property.

Violations & Fines

Installing banned fencing materials is a Code violation; § 1-20(c) sets forfeitures of $10 to $500 for a first offense and $25 to $1,000 for repeat violations, plus court costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put barbed wire on my backyard fence in Neenah?
No. § 21-38(c)(5) bans electrically charged or barbed wire fencing unless the Code specifically allows it: that exception is limited to industrial guard fences.
Can I build a fence out of scrap wood or chicken wire?
No. § 21-38(c)(6) lists chicken wire, scrap wood, vehicle parts, aluminum siding, and tarps among the materials prohibited for fencing in Neenah.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Neenah

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsFence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions

All Neenah rules

Compare Neenah to another location·View the Wisconsin fence regulations overview

Get notified when Material Restrictions in Neenah, WI changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.