Fond du Lac County, WI Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Fond du Lac County Code Sec. 44-451(7), part of Chapter 44's definitions article, sets the shoreland fence rule in a single, direct sentence: 'A fence may be constructed adjacent to property lines, no closer than 75 feet to the ordinary high water mark. Fences may be constructed on all lots. ' That last requirement functions as the county's boundary-fence courtesy rule: whoever builds the fence must orient the posts and structural framework toward their own property, presenting the finished face outward to the neighbor's side.

The provision does not require shared cost or joint construction between neighbors; it simply confirms fences are allowed adjacent to any property line on any lot in the shoreland zone, subject to the 75-foot setback from the water. The 75-foot figure matches the shoreland building setback used throughout Chapter 44, tying fence placement to the same ordinary-high-water-mark baseline used for principal structures under Sec. 44-203. The definitions article also classifies a fence as part of the broader 'structure' definition at Sec. 44-451(25), which sweeps in accessory features like decks, retaining walls and porches for purposes of applying the chapter's setback and permit requirements.

Because this rule sits in the shoreland zoning chapter, it applies only within shoreland areas of unincorporated Fond du Lac County; a fence built well back from any lake, river or stream is not reached by this section, and disputes over shared fencing costs on non-shoreland property fall to Wisconsin's general fence law, not this county code.