Fence Installation in Milwaukee, WI
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How tall a fence can be in Milwaukee
In Milwaukee's residential districts, a front yard fence can be up to 4 feet tall. An ornamental metal fence can go to 6 feet if it is at least 50% open overall, and it may have piers of masonry, wood or other approved materials. (Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, Sec. 295-505-4-f, checked October 2026)
A Milwaukee side yard fence is limited to 4 feet, but it can reach 6 feet if it is all chain link, wrought iron or similar open work, or if everything above 4 feet is at least 50% open, such as a solid 4 foot fence topped with up to 2 feet of wood lattice. A side yard fence more than 10 feet from the side lot line can be 6 feet tall either way. (Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, Sec. 295-505-4-f, checked October 2026)
A rear yard fence in Milwaukee can be 6 feet tall. Along a side street or rear street property line the limit is 4 feet, except that a fence along the side street edge of a rear yard can be 6 feet. (Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, Sec. 295-505-4-f, checked October 2026)
If your Milwaukee neighbor is allowed a taller fence directly across the shared lot line, your fence on that line can go to the same height. (Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, Sec. 295-505-4-f, checked October 2026)
Permits in Milwaukee
Milwaukee's Department of Neighborhood Services says a permit is needed both for a new fence and for replacing one. (City of Milwaukee DNS, Do I need a permit?, checked October 2026)
A Milwaukee fence permit application for a home needs a drawing of the property marking where the fence goes and how tall it is, along with the house, garage, streets, alleys, sidewalks and property lines. The whole fence must be on your property. (City of Milwaukee Permit and Development Center, Residential Fence Permit Application, checked October 2026)
Where the fence can go
Milwaukee does not allow barbed wire, concertina wire or razor wire fences. The posts and rails must face the inside of your lot. (Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, Sec. 295-505-4-f, checked October 2026)
Milwaukee's fence permit form bars building a fence out of doors, plywood sheets, snow fence, pallets, chicken wire, or plastic less than half an inch thick. The side facing out must be the same grade of material as the inside or better. (City of Milwaukee Permit and Development Center, Residential Fence Permit Application, checked October 2026)
Pool fences in Milwaukee
A Milwaukee fence that encloses a swimming pool must also meet the Department of Neighborhood Services rules for swimming pools. (Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, Sec. 295-505-4-f, checked October 2026)
Before you dig in Wisconsin
Wisconsin law requires anyone digging to notify the one-call system at least 3 working days before nonemergency excavation, and to give a repeat notice if the work does not start within 10 days of the scheduled start date. (Wisconsin Statutes, Sec. 182.0175, checked October 2026)
Checking a fence company in Milwaukee
The City of Milwaukee requires a Home Improvement Contractor license for anyone in the business of working on single-family homes, duplexes and apartment buildings of 6 units or fewer in the city, and fences are on its list of covered work. Landlords improving their own properties do not need it. (City of Milwaukee License Division, Home Improvement Contractor License, checked October 2026)
Milwaukee ground and weather
In Milwaukee, any solid fence 4 feet or taller must be anchored at least 30 inches deep, and every fence must be built to stand up to a wind pressure of at least 30 pounds per square foot. (City of Milwaukee Permit and Development Center, Residential Fence Permit Application, checked October 2026)
What it costs
A wood fence usually runs $15 to $35 a linear foot installed, by Fixr fence installation costs (January 2025). The cost calculator prices your length, material and gates.
Comparing companies?
We ranked 4 Milwaukee fence companies on their Google ratings, years in business, insurance and emergency or storm repair work: best fence companies in Milwaukee.
Areas served
Milwaukee and nearby Wauwatosa, West Allis, Greenfield, Glendale, Shorewood, Cudahy.