Racine County, WI Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Setback
- 75 ft from high-water mark
- Fences
- Listed as prohibited structures
- Exemption list
- Does not include fences
- Scope
- Unincorporated shoreland areas only
- Penalty
- $20-$1,000 forfeiture per day
Summary
Within Racine County's 75-foot shore yard setback along navigable waters, fences count as prohibited structures, with no exemption listed for them anywhere in the shoreland exempt-structures list.
Within the shore yard setback area in conformance with the regulations of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, no structures are permitted. "Structures" includes fences, ice fishing shanties, accessory buildings other than boathouses, minor structures, and any retaining wall not approved by a site plan review/conditional use approval or approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
(1) Permitted building setbacks shall be established to conform to health, safety and welfare requirements, preserve natural beauty, reduce flood hazards and avoid water pollution. Unless exempt under 20-1045(b), mitigated under 20-1046, a setback of seventy-five (75) feet from the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable waters to the nearest part of a building or structure shall be required for all buildings and structures.
(2) All of the following structures are exempt from the shoreland setbacks standards in sec. 20-1045(a):
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
County zoning code section 20-1045 defines 'structures' barred from the shore yard setback to include fences, alongside ice fishing shanties, most accessory buildings, and minor structures. The setback runs 75 feet from the ordinary high-water mark of any navigable lake or stream, and the section's own exemption list, covering existing legal structures, open-sided gazebos and decks, satellite dishes, utility lines, and walkways, never names fences among the excepted uses. Practically, a new fence within that 75-foot strip is not something the county will approve. This applies only in the unincorporated shoreland areas the county regulates directly, not inside the City of Racine or the county's incorporated villages.
Violations & Fines
Building an unpermitted fence in the shore yard setback is a chapter 20 violation, exposing the owner to a forfeiture of $20 to $1,000 plus costs, with each day counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a fence close to the water on my Racine County shoreland lot?
Does this setback apply to fences in the City of Racine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Racine County
Compare Racine County to another location·View the Wisconsin fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.