City of Wisconsin Rapids fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Wisconsin Rapids? Yes. The City of Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Fee
- $40 (Fence Permit Fee) source
- Side and rear yards
- 6 ft in rear yards source
- Front (street) yard
- 4 ft in front yards source
- Corner lots
- Corner side yards have different rules (City fence page notes variances); vision clearance areas must be observed source
- Distance from lot line
- Fences may go up to adjacent property lines, but the entire fence must be on your property. At least 2 ft from public rights-of-way and alleys. source
- Good side faces
- Finished side must face adjacent properties or the public right-of-way. source
- Not allowed
- Approved materials: brick or masonry, stone, wrought iron or steel, vinyl or synthetic, chain link, wood or wood composite. Other materials are not listed as approved. source
- How to apply
- Online portal, in person source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Wisconsin Rapids
Steps based on wirapids.gov — Fence
- Confirm where your property lines are (hire a surveyor if unsure).
- Draw a site plan showing the fence, setbacks and lot dimensions (the City posts a Sample Fence Site Plan).
- Apply online through MyGov (Residential Fence Permit) or bring the Residential Permit Form to Community Development, 2nd floor of City Hall, 444 W. Grand Ave.
- Pay the $40 fence permit fee.
- Call 715-421-8228 to schedule the inspection when the project is ready.
- Call Diggers Hotline (811) at least 3 business days before digging.
- Paying
- $40, with the application
- Inspections
- Call 715-421-8228 to schedule inspections when ready; missed inspections can mean delays, added costs or a fine
Who to contact
- Phone
- 715-421-8228
- Hours
- City Hall: Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Address
- Community Development Department, 2nd floor, City Hall, 444 West Grand Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
Contact from wirapids.gov — Fence
What to submit
- Residential Fence Permit application (MyGov 'Res Fence') or the Residential Permit Form
- Complete site plan showing setbacks and lot dimensions (see the City's Sample Fence Site Plan)
- $40 fee
Other rules to know
- You must verify property line locations; the City recommends a professional surveyor if you don't know them.
- The City moved its website from wirapids.org to wirapids.gov; the fence page and forms are on wirapids.gov.
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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
Yes. The City of Wisconsin Rapids requires a permit before you build a fence.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Wisconsin Rapids?
Side and rear yards: 6 ft in rear yards. Front (street) yard: 4 ft in front yards. Corner lots: Corner side yards have different rules (City fence page notes variances); vision clearance areas must be observed.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Wisconsin Rapids?
Fences may go up to adjacent property lines, but the entire fence must be on your property. At least 2 ft from public rights-of-way and alleys.
Which side of the fence has to face the neighbor in the City of Wisconsin Rapids?
Finished side must face adjacent properties or the public right-of-way.
How much is a fence permit in the City of Wisconsin Rapids?
$40 (Fence Permit Fee).
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Wisconsin Rapids?
Confirm where your property lines are (hire a surveyor if unsure). Draw a site plan showing the fence, setbacks and lot dimensions (the City posts a Sample Fence Site Plan). Apply online through MyGov (Residential Fence Permit) or bring the Residential Permit Form to Community Development, 2nd floor of City Hall, 444 W. Grand Ave. Pay the $40 fence permit fee. Call 715-421-8228 to schedule the inspection when the project is ready. permit.guide can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Wisconsin Rapids (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Wisconsin Rapids?
Community Development (inspection scheduling). Phone 715-421-8228.
Sources
Summarized from the City of Wisconsin Rapids's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Municipal Code Chapter 11, Zoning Code
Work for the City of Wisconsin Rapids? 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.