City of Berlin fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Berlin? Yes. The City of Berlin requires a permit before you build a fence.
permit.guide can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Berlin (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Fee
- $135 ($80 permit + $30 zoning review + $25 plan review) source
- Side and rear yards
- 6 ft source
- Front (street) yard
- 4 ft (up to 6 ft with a conditional use permit) source
- How to apply
- Mail, in person source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Berlin
Steps based on cityofberlin.net — zoning building inspection
- Fill out the Simple Building Permit Application in a PDF reader (so the fees calculate).
- Attach a plot plan: lot dimensions, lot lines, existing buildings, the fence, streets and driveways.
- Submit it to City Hall, 108 N Capron St, at least one week before you want to start.
- Review takes about a week. The inspector will tell you when the $135 fee is due; pay online, by mail, or at the Clerk's office, and your permit is issued.
- Call Diggers Hotline (811) at least 3 business days before digging.
- Paying
- After approval: online (processing fee), by mail to PO Box 272, or at the Clerk's office (Mon to Fri 7:30 to 4:30)
- Review time
- About one week after a complete application
Who to contact
Matthew Kelly, Kunkel Engineering
Building inspector
- Phone
- 920-763-4018
- [email protected]
- Hours
- Mon and Wed, 8:30 to 10:30 am
- Address
- City Hall, 108 N Capron St, PO Box 272, Berlin, WI 54923
Contact from cityofberlin.net — zoning building inspection
What to submit
- Simple Building Permit Application (fences are listed on it)
- Plot plan showing lot dimensions, lot lines, existing and proposed structures, streets and driveways
Other rules to know
- Privacy fences (gaps under 1/2 in.) are allowed only in rear yards and in side yards behind the front of the house.
- A survey isn't required but is recommended for fences on the boundary.
- Work started before the permit is issued costs double.
Before you dig
Call Diggers Hotline at 811 (or file online at diggershotline.com) at least 3 business days before digging post holes. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. County parcel maps can be off by several feet; if you're not sure where the line is, a licensed land surveyor can stake it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of Berlin, WI?
Yes. The City of Berlin requires a permit before you build a fence.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Berlin?
Side and rear yards: 6 ft. Front (street) yard: 4 ft (up to 6 ft with a conditional use permit).
How much is a fence permit in the City of Berlin?
$135 ($80 permit + $30 zoning review + $25 plan review).
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Berlin?
Fill out the Simple Building Permit Application in a PDF reader (so the fees calculate). Attach a plot plan: lot dimensions, lot lines, existing buildings, the fence, streets and driveways. Submit it to City Hall, 108 N Capron St, at least one week before you want to start. Review takes about a week. The inspector will tell you when the $135 fee is due; pay online, by mail, or at the Clerk's office, and your permit is issued. Call Diggers Hotline (811) at least 3 business days before digging. permit.guide can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Berlin (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Berlin?
Matthew Kelly, Kunkel Engineering, Building inspector. Phone 920-763-4018, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from the City of Berlin's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Berlin Code §82-567(c)(1) Fences
Work for the City of Berlin? Help us keep this right
If anything on this page is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Municipal staff reports are reviewed first. Please include a link to the current ordinance, form or fee schedule if you can.