Before You Build in Menasha, WI: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

WI Stat. §90.02 to 90.14 provides line fence cost-sharing for rural/agricultural land. Urban residential fences: each owner responsible for their own.

The City of Menasha Municipal Code limits fences within the front yard setback to 3 feet 6 inches in height. Fences in residential-zoned districts or on residentially used properties may not exceed 6 feet, with an exception allowing up to 8 feet along a side abutting a commercial or industrial district. All other (non-residential) fences may not exceed 8 feet. Permits are required for any fence in the front yard, including on corner and through lots. Vision control area standards under Sec. 13-1-53 also apply.

Menasha enforces pool safety requirements including anti-entrapment drain covers (VGB Act), barriers, and depth markers. WI Stat. §145.17 governs.

Menasha requires pool barriers to prevent unsupervised child access. Minimum 48-inch height. Self-closing, self-latching gates. WI Stat. §145.17.

Menasha requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. WI Uniform Dwelling Code governs. Inspections required.

Menasha regulates accessory structures and accessory uses through Title 13 (Zoning) of the Menasha Municipal Code, adopted under Wis. Stat. Sec. 62.23. Section 13-1.G governs Satellite Earth Stations, Television/Radio Antenna Towers, Wind Energy Systems, Accessory Uses, and Home Occupations. Detached garages and accessory buildings have explicit setback, size, and height limits: 3 ft minimum side and rear yard if located 8 ft or more from the principal structure (8 ft rear / 6 ft side if closer), max 18 ft overall height, max 12 ft sidewall height, and may not occupy more than 30 percent of any rear yard. Accessory buildings (sheds) are capped at 200 sq ft. Detached garage size caps depend on district: 816 sq ft in R-1/R-1a; 624 sq ft per dwelling unit in R-2/R-2a.

Sheds in Menasha are 'unattached accessory buildings' under the Title 13 zoning code. The Garage, Shed & Accessory Structure Factsheet (current as of 12/6/2022) caps an accessory building (non-garage) at 200 square feet, requires 3-foot rear and side yard setbacks, a 25-foot front yard setback (or prevailing setback), and bars any shed between the principal building and the street right-of-way. Detached garages and accessory buildings combined cannot occupy more than 30 percent of the rear yard, sidewalls cannot exceed 12 feet, and overall height cannot exceed 18 feet or the height of the principal building.

Outdoor burning regulated by WI DNR and local ordinance. Menasha may prohibit most open burning. Garbage burning always illegal. DNR permits required in protection areas.