Our Guide to Fence Regulations and Permits in the Town of Polk, WI

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If you’re a property owner in the Town of Polk, Wisconsin, and you’re planning to install a fence on your property, it’s essential to be aware of the local fence regulations. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and aesthetics of the community. Here’s a clear and concise guide to help you understand the key fence regulations:

1. Building Area Requirements:

• Your property should have a minimum building area of 1,200 square feet, with at least 800 square feet on the first floor.

2. Yard Setbacks:

• Street Yard Setback: Your fence should be at least 25 feet away from the right-of-way (the area between the road and your property).
• Shore Yard Setback: If your property is near a shore, the fence should be at least 75 feet away from the shore.
• Side Yard Setback: Maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from the side property line.
• Rear Yard Setback: Your fence should be at least 25 feet away from the rear property line.

3. Open Space Requirement:

• You must reserve a minimum of 80% of your lot area for open space, which means landscaping or non-built areas.

4. Vacant Substandard Lots:

• If you own multiple substandard lots, the town cannot force you to merge them without your consent.
• You can sell a substandard lot or use it for building purposes if it meets all other requirements except the minimum lot size.

5. Fence Height:

• In residential zoning districts, the maximum fence height within required side and rear setbacks is 6 feet.
• For the street yard setback, solid fences cannot exceed 3 feet in height, but decorative, open fences may go up to 4 feet.
• No residential fence is allowed in the shore yard.
• In non-residential zoning districts, the maximum fence height is 8 feet, except for the street yard setback, where it’s limited to 3 feet.

6. Special Cases:

• Schools have no maximum height limit for their fences.
• Sound barrier/privacy fences along certain roads can be up to 8 feet tall.
• Security fences up to 10 feet in height are allowed on non-residential properties.
• Recreational fences (e.g., for tennis courts) can go up to 10 feet in height.

7. Setback from Property Line:

• Fences in residential districts must be set back at least 1 foot from the property line.
• Fences in non-residential districts must be set back at least 2 feet from the property line.

8. Fence Materials and Construction:

• Barbed wire and electrical fences are generally prohibited, except on active agricultural operations.
• Approved materials include wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, brick, stone, and other materials approved by the Plan Commission.
• Front yard fences must be made of wood, brick, vinyl, or stone.

9. Maintenance:

• Both the fence and the area surrounding it must be well-maintained and in good repair at all times.

10. Permit Requirements:

• You need a zoning permit for all fences in residential districts, except for temporary seasonal fences.

Remember to follow these regulations to avoid any issues and ensure your fence complies with the Town of Polk’s guidelines. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, reach out to the local authorities or zoning office for clarification. Happy fencing!

Please note that these regulations are subject to change, and it’s crucial to verify the current guidelines with the local authorities before proceeding with your fence installation.

Disclaimer:

The information provided by Fence Finders LLC regarding building permits and regulations is for general informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site.