Green Bay, WI Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Side/rear yard max
- 6 feet
- Front/corner yard max
- 3 feet (solid)
- Pool enclosure max
- 8 feet
- Barbed wire
- banned on residential lots
Summary
Green Bay caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards, but only 3 feet facing the street unless you use open, decorative material that lets in light.
The maximum height of a fence or wall within required side and rear setbacks in a residential zoning district shall not exceed six feet. Fences around pools shall not exceed eight feet. The maximum height of a solid fence or wall within a required front yard or corner side yard setback shall not exceed three feet. Such front yard or corner side yard fences may be increased to a maximum height of four feet if open, decorative, ornamental fencing materials that are less than 50 percent opaque are used or to a maximum height of five feet if open, decorative, ornamental fencing materials that are less than 20 percent opaque are used. When the fence extends beyond at least half the distance of the primary building's side facade, the fence height may increase to six feet provided the fence is constructed not closer than one-half the applicable corner side yard setback.b.Nonresidential zoning districts. The maximum height of a fence or wall shall not exceed eight feet except in required front or corner side yard setbacks where the maximum height of a solid fence or wall shall not exceed three feet.c.In the case of grade separation, such as the division of properties by a retaining wall, fence height shall be determined based on measurement from the average point between highest and lowest grade.d.Fences or walls shall comply with the vision triangle requirements of Section 44-359. Fence Regulations
Fence Regulations
Full Breakdown
Section 44-450 sets the fence rules citywide. Solid fences top out at 3 feet in a front or corner side yard, rising to 4 feet for material under 50 percent opaque and 5 feet for material under 20 percent opaque. Side and rear setbacks allow 6 feet, and pool enclosures can reach 8 feet. Walls and fences must use quality materials, decorative block, brick, stone, treated wood, wrought iron, chain link, or plastic, with no sharp or pointed pickets and no barbed wire on residential lots or within four feet of a public street, sidewalk, or alley.
Violations & Fines
A fence that exceeds the height limit or blocks a vision-triangle corner is a code violation; the Zoning Administrator can order it modified or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my fence be in Green Bay?
Is there a special rule for pool fences?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
Compare Green Bay to another location·View the Wisconsin fence regulations overview
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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle fence permit requirements.