Beloit, WI Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Beloit Code of Ordinances § 8-300(a) makes a fence permit mandatory before any person may install, construct, erect, place or replace a fence or any portion of one anywhere in the City of Beloit. Routine painting, maintenance or repair of an existing fence is the only listed exemption. Under subsection b, the application goes to the Division of Planning and Building Services on a City-provided form and must include a drawing, site plan or property survey showing the property lines, existing buildings and structures, the proposed fence location, and its distance from all property lines and other structures.

If the fence will sit on rented or leased land, the applicant must also submit the property owner's written consent. Subsection c requires payment of an application fee set by City Council resolution, and subsection d layers on a separate architectural review certificate requirement under Chapter 34 of the Code of General Ordinances. Properties inside a historic district or carrying a landmark designation need a Certificate of Appropriateness as well, per subsection e. The Director of Planning and Building Services, or a designee, reviews the complete application under subsection f and may attach reasonable conditions to the permit.

Once issued, the fence must be fully installed within one year or a new permit is required, per subsection s. If a fence goes up before a permit is obtained, subsection u lets the owner keep it only by paying triple the standard permit fee, provided the fence otherwise complies with the code; a noncompliant fence built without a permit must be removed.