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

Article IV of Chapter 26 governs fences in Sheboygan, and § 26-391 sweeps in more than ordinary fences: all fences, screens, enclosures or structures in the nature of a fence erected within the city must comply with the article. Section 26-392 then sets the permit rule. No such structure can be erected in the city unless the owner or his agent first obtains a permit from the building inspector. The text sets the sequence: the permit comes first, then construction. It prints no exemption by height, material or location, so a low decorative fence or a privacy screen falls under the same rule as a tall boundary fence.

The fee is flat. Section 26-393 charges $40.00 for each permit issued under the fence article, and the plan examination and permit fee schedule in § 26-38 lists the same figure on its line for exceptions, all fences and stairways, against a general minimum fee of $50.00. The permit comes from the building inspection department, which § 26-66 places inside the city development department.

A permit does not end the owner's duties. Section 26-394 requires that all fences be kept in good repair. Section 26-395 bars any fence, screen, enclosure or structure in the nature of a fence from being erected in a position or place dangerous or detrimental to the health of persons living in any house or premises, and a fence found that way must be removed within three days of a written order from the manager of planning and inspection services or his designee, served on the owner, agent or occupant. A fence not removed in accordance with the notice is removed at public expense, and the cost is assessed against the property on which the fence stood.

A fence is also required in one other situation: § 26-396 requires a fence to safeguard any retaining wall three feet in height or greater, and that safeguard fence is built under the same article.

The zoning ordinance text that would hold district setbacks and height limits for fences is not part of the Municode chapters this page draws on, so the figures here are limited to what Article IV prints.