The county treats a fence as excluded from its "Structure" definition, so no county zoning permit is required for an ordinary fence in unincorporated towns. Fences within 75 feet of a lake or river are regulated under the Shoreland Ordinance. Cities and villages may require their own permit.
Because the Basic Zoning Ordinance excludes fences from "Structure," a standard fence in a consenting unincorporated town does not trigger a county zoning permit. However, the separate Waukesha County Shoreland & Floodland Protection Ordinance folds a fence back into "Structure" when it stands within 75 feet of the ordinary high water mark of a navigable waterway, which can require a shoreland zoning permit. Inside cities and villages such as Waukesha, Brookfield or Menomonee Falls, a municipal fence permit is often required. Always confirm with the Planner of the Day at (262) 896-8300 before building near water or a property line.
Building a regulated shoreland fence without the required permit can trigger a stop-work order, permit-after-the-fact fees, and zoning forfeitures.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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