City of La Crosse fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of La Crosse? Yes. The City of La Crosse 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 La Crosse (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Side and rear yards
- 6 ft (rear yards abutting a sidewalk: up to 6 ft only if open-style or at least 50% open above 4 ft) source
- Front (street) yard
- 48 inches from grade where the fence is in a front, side or rear setback abutting a public sidewalk source
- Corner lots
- Not in any vision corner; nothing in the vision clearance area over 36 inches above the adjacent sidewalk grade source
- Distance from lot line
- Residential fences may go up to the property line, but at least 3 ft from the property line is required for maintenance unless a recorded affidavit or a maintenance-free fence applies; not closer than 3 ft to a public alley right-of-way. Within 3 ft of a lot line with no fence record, a survey by a registered land surveyor or professional engineer is required unless all affected owners sign a recordable affidavit establishing an agreed lot line. source
- Good side faces
- Finished or decorative side must face the adjoining property; fences must be kept in good repair. source
- Not allowed
- Electric or electrically shocking fences; barbed wire (except industrial zones with securing devices at least 10 ft above grade); fences in dangerous condition, with exposed cut wire ends at the top, or incomplete; used/damaged materials and items not made for fencing (railroad ties, utility poles). source
- How to apply
- Email source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of La Crosse
Steps based on cityoflacrosse.org — fence permit packet
- Download the City's fence permit packet and fill out and sign the Application for Building Permit.
- Draw a to-scale plan showing where the fence goes with measurements to the property lines, plus a side view showing posts, height and fence type.
- Fence within 3 ft of a lot line? Get a survey or a recordable affidavit signed by your neighbor(s).
- Email everything to [email protected] (questions: 608-789-7530). Inspectors have 10 business days to review.
- Call for an inspection when the project is complete (and for post holes before setting posts if footings are required).
- Call Diggers Hotline (811) at least 3 business days before digging.
- Paying
- Fee per the City fee schedule (Appendix C of the Code of Ordinances)
- Review time
- First come, first served; inspectors have 10 business days (can be longer); expediting available for an added cost
- Inspections
- Pier/post-hole inspection when footings are required, before posts are set; final inspection when complete
Who to contact
- Phone
- 608-789-7530
- [email protected]
Contact from cityoflacrosse.org — fence permit packet
What to submit
- Completed, signed Application for Building Permit
- One set of to-scale plans (electronic OK): plan view showing fence placement and measurements to property lines, and a side/cutaway view showing construction method, post size and placement, height and fence type
- Manufacturer's specifications, if required
- Survey or recordable neighbor affidavit if the fence is within 3 ft of a lot line
Other rules to know
- No permit needed for snow fencing up to 4 ft (removed May 1 - Nov 1), fences up to 2 ft, or underground electric pet fences; temporary construction/planting-protection fences may stay up to 45 days without a permit.
- Over 6 ft in a residential district requires a conditional use permit.
- Decorative fences (wrought iron, brick, stone, PVC or painted picket) under 48 inches average may be placed at the property line.
- Height is measured as an average and excludes posts or pillars.
- Concrete footings are not required by code; install to the manufacturer's specifications.
- The back edge of the City sidewalk is usually on the property line; the owner is responsible for correct placement.
- Fee is set in Appendix C (Fee Schedule) of the City Code of Ordinances on Municode; the amount was not confirmed online. Expedited review is available for an extra cost.
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 La Crosse, WI?
Yes. The City of La Crosse requires a permit before you build a fence. No permit needed for snow fencing up to 4 ft (removed May 1 - Nov 1), fences up to 2 ft, or underground electric pet fences; temporary construction/planting-protection fences may stay up to 45 days without a permit.
How tall can a fence be in the City of La Crosse?
Side and rear yards: 6 ft (rear yards abutting a sidewalk: up to 6 ft only if open-style or at least 50% open above 4 ft). Front (street) yard: 48 inches from grade where the fence is in a front, side or rear setback abutting a public sidewalk. Corner lots: Not in any vision corner; nothing in the vision clearance area over 36 inches above the adjacent sidewalk grade.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of La Crosse?
Residential fences may go up to the property line, but at least 3 ft from the property line is required for maintenance unless a recorded affidavit or a maintenance-free fence applies; not closer than 3 ft to a public alley right-of-way. Within 3 ft of a lot line with no fence record, a survey by a registered land surveyor or professional engineer is required unless all affected owners sign a recordable affidavit establishing an agreed lot line.
Which side of the fence has to face the neighbor in the City of La Crosse?
Finished or decorative side must face the adjoining property; fences must be kept in good repair.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of La Crosse?
Download the City's fence permit packet and fill out and sign the Application for Building Permit. Draw a to-scale plan showing where the fence goes with measurements to the property lines, plus a side view showing posts, height and fence type. Fence within 3 ft of a lot line? Get a survey or a recordable affidavit signed by your neighbor(s). Email everything to [email protected] (questions: 608-789-7530). Inspectors have 10 business days to review. Call for an inspection when the project is complete (and for post holes before setting posts if footings are required). permit.guide can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of La Crosse (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of La Crosse?
Building & Inspections. Phone 608-789-7530, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from the City of La Crosse's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Code of Ordinances §115-398 Fences
Work for the City of La Crosse? 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.