Do You Need a Permit To Replace an Existing Fence in Milwaukee?

If the time has come for you to replace your old, worn-down fence, you might be asking yourself, “Do you need a permit to replace an existing fence?” In Milwaukee, the answer is yes, but that’s not the only thing you should know if you want to build a legally compliant fence.

Any reputable fence company in Milwaukee should know how to apply for the right fence-building permits. Here, the experienced team at Yutka Fence explains why you need a permit, how to apply for one, and other factors to consider before starting your fence replacement project.

What Do Milwaukee Property Owners Need To Know Before Replacing a Fence?

You need a permit to replace or build a fence in Milwaukee, but you should also be familiar with the city’s different building codes and regulations, especially since they determine how tall your fence can be and other parts of the construction process:

• Your new fence must use an approved material, such as wood, metal, or vinyl. Unapproved materials include wood pallets, scrap lumber, and chicken wire.
• You must pay close attention to property lines and avoid installing the fence on your neighbor’s property.
• Your front and side yard fences must be no taller than four feet. The only exception is ornamental fences with 50% open construction, which can be up to six feet tall.
• Your backyard fence can be no taller than six feet.
• If your fence will be at the intersection of two streets, it cannot be taller than three feet to prevent traffic vision obstructions.
• Your fence’s support structures must not be visible from the outside (such as the posts).

The Process for Getting a Milwaukee Fence Permit

Do you need a permit to replace an existing fence in Milwaukee? You must contact the Department of Neighborhood Services to get a permit before building a new fence. Thankfully, you don’t have to do much when hiring professional fence installers.

Fencing professionals do the hard work for you by applying for and obtaining the permit before the project. Here are the typical steps for this process:

Gathering the Necessary Paperwork

Your fence installers may need certain documents to apply for a fence building permit, such as:

• Written neighbor consent (if necessary)
• Replacement fence design specifications
• Property surveys
• Additional permits

Your fence professionals will also review the overall plan with you before starting the application process.

Completing the Application and Paying the Fees

Once the fence professionals have everything they need for the application, they’ll make the final submission and pay the required application fees. You’ll likely see the costs of these fees reflected in your final project estimate.

Getting the Permit

Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services will issue a permit to the contractors outlining the various requirements they must follow while building your new fence. Once your fence professionals have the permit, they’ll let you know and make a plan to start the project officially.

Do You Need To Get a Permit for Fence Repairs?

Now that you know the answer to “Do you need a permit to replace an existing fence?” you’re probably wondering whether the same applies to repairs.

In Milwaukee, you don’t need a permit for most fence repairs. However, some situations do call for a permit. For instance, you’ll likely need a permit if your fence is leaning over a public sidewalk.

Call your local fencing professionals if you’re ever unsure about what permits you need for fence work. Fencing companies and experienced contractors are intimately familiar with Milwaukee’s building codes, so they can tell you whether you need a permit or other permissions for a fence-related project.

Let Yutka Fence Do the Hard Work for You

Getting any construction permit is never a fun process, so you should leave it to the professionals. When you need to replace your fence, Yutka Fence will take care of the permit application process while providing a pleasant overall experience.

Do you need a permit to replace an existing fence in Milwaukee? Yes, but you don’t have to lift a finger when hiring the Yutka Fence team. Whether you need help selecting the right fence contractor or choosing a fence material, Milwaukee’s go-to fencing professionals have your back.

Contact Yutka Fence today to start your fence replacement project or learn more about how to get high-quality fencing for your Milwaukee property. We can answer any questions you might have about fencing materials, permits, and much more!