Comprehensive Guide to Fence Regulations in Farmington, WI

Adding a fence to your property in Farmington, WI can enhance its aesthetics, security, and privacy. To ensure your fence installation complies with local regulations, here’s a detailed guide to follow:

Types of Fences and Definitions

1. Fence: A fence is an enclosed barrier made of wood, plastic, stone, or metal, designed to prevent ingress or egress. It must not consist of unsightly or dangerous materials that could create a nuisance.
2. Boundary Fence: This type of fence is placed along the property lines of adjacent properties.
3. Protective Fence: A protective fence is constructed to enclose a hazard, promoting public health, safety, and welfare.
4. Architectural or Aesthetic Fence: This decorative fence enhances the appearance of a structure or landscape, with the decorative or finished side facing the adjoining lots or streets.
5. Hedge: A hedge is a row of bushes or small trees planted closely together, forming a barrier, enclosure, or boundary.
6. Picket Fence: A picket fence consists of pointed posts, stakes, pales, or pegs laced vertically with the point or sharp part pointing upward, forming a part of the fence.

Fence Construction Requirements

• The decorative or finished side of the fence must face the adjoining properties and streets.

Height of Fences Regulated

General Height Regulations:

Fences or walls along a lot line can have a maximum height of six (6) feet above the ground level.

Fences or walls located in a required front or corner side yard cannot exceed a height of three (3) feet.

Fences exceeding six (6) feet in height must be set back at least three (3) feet from all lot lines.

If a lot line is adjacent to a non-residentially zoned property, the height of a fence or wall along that line should not exceed eight (8) feet.

Height Regulations for Business or Industrially Zoned Properties Adjacent to Residential Zones:

Fences on business or industrially zoned properties adjacent to residentially zoned properties should not exceed eight (8) feet in height.

Height Limitation in Residence Districts:

Fences in any residence district cannot exceed three (3) feet above the street grade within twenty-five (25) feet of the intersection of any street lines or projected street lines.

Setback Requirements for Fences

• Fences may be constructed on lot lines but should not extend into the road right-of-way.

Security Fences

• Security fences are allowed on property lines in all districts except residential districts.
• Security fences must not exceed a height of ten (10) feet and must be of an open type, similar to woven wire or wrought iron fencing.

Prohibited Fences

• Residential fences must not be in a dangerous condition or conduct electricity to shock.
• Barbed wire is prohibited in residential areas but can be used in industrially zoned areas if secured ten (10) feet above the ground and projecting toward the fenced property, away from any public area.

Fences to be Maintained

• All fences must be kept safe and in a state of good repair.

Temporary Fences

• Fences erected temporarily for planting protection or construction warnings must be clearly visible and marked with colored streamers or warning devices at four (4) foot intervals.
• Such fences must comply with the setback requirements.

Existing Nonconforming Fences

• Any fence existing on the effective date of this Code of Ordinances and not in conformance with these regulations may be maintained.
• Alterations, modifications, or improvements of more than fifty percent (50%) of the fence will require bringing the entire fence into compliance.

Locating Your Fence Properly

• As the property owner, you are solely responsible for ensuring that the fence is located properly on your property.

Private or Residential Swimming Pools

Definition of Private or Residential Swimming Pools

A private or residential swimming pool is an outdoor structure containing a body of water with a depth greater than one and one-half (1-1/2) feet located above or below the ground elevation. It is intended for use solely by the owner, operator, or lessee and their family and friends invited to use it. The term includes all structural facilities, appliances, appurtenances, equipment, and other items used for the operation and maintenance of the pool.

Fences for Swimming Pools

• All in-ground pools must be entirely enclosed with a non-climbable fence, with a minimum height of four (4) feet, and a locking gate.
• Above-ground pools with deck heights above four (4) feet at any point are exempt from fencing requirements, but access points, such as ladders or steps, must have a locking gate.
• A portion of a building may be used as part of the fence, provided the pool is located at least ten (10) feet from the building.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change. For accurate and up-to-date fence regulations and requirements in Farmington, WI, please consult the official Town ordinances and zoning codes. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and obtain any necessary permits before starting fence or swimming pool construction.