Fence Permit Costs in Wisconsin
Fence permit fees in Wisconsin range from $0 to $200. Many municipalities charge $25–$75 for a standard residential fence permit, and some small communities do not charge a fee at all.
A Fence Permit in Wisconsin costs between $0 and $200, with a state average of $50. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Municipal fee schedule
- Fence height (permits may not be required under certain heights)
- Fence location (front yard vs. side/rear yard)
- Whether the fence is for a pool enclosure
- Zoning district and any overlay requirements
Cost by Municipality
Fence Permit fees across Wisconsin municipalities. Fees are based on official fee schedules and may vary by project scope.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | Fence permit $72 flat fee. Required for all new fences. Application available online through DNS. | +44% above avg |
| City of Madison | Fence permit $50–$100. Required for all new fences. Additional review if the fence is in the front yard or a corner visibility triangle. | At average |
| City of Green Bay | Fence permit $40–$75. Required for new fences. Processing typically 1–3 business days. | -20% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | Fence permit $35–$65. Application requires a site plan showing fence location relative to property lines. | -30% below avg |
| City of Racine | Fence permit $30–$60. Among the more affordable fence permit fees in the state. | -40% below avg |
| City of Appleton | Fence permit $25–$50. Required for all new fences. Quick turnaround, often 1–2 business days. | -50% below avg |
| City of Waukesha | Fence permit $50–$85. Front-yard fences subject to additional height and material restrictions. | At average |
| City of Oshkosh | Fence permit $25–$50. Required for fences of any height. Low-cost permit with minimal documentation required. | -50% below avg |
Fee data is sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified quarterly. Fees shown may represent base rates — actual costs depend on project valuation and scope. Use the Fee Calculator for project-specific estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cities in Wisconsin where fence permits are free?
Some very small Wisconsin municipalities and towns do not charge a fee for fence permits, or they do not require a fence permit at all. However, you still must comply with zoning setback requirements even if no permit is needed. Most cities with populations over 5,000 charge a permit fee, typically in the $25 to $100 range.
Do pool fences cost more to permit than regular fences?
The fence permit fee itself is usually the same whether the fence is for a pool enclosure or general use. However, pool enclosure fences must meet specific safety requirements (48-inch minimum height, self-closing/self-latching gate, 4-inch sphere test), which are checked during inspection. If your municipality requires a separate swimming pool permit, that is an additional cost.
Need permit costs for every project?
Access real-time fee data across all Wisconsin municipalities. Know the exact cost before you bid, and get notified when fee schedules change.