How high can your fence be around your house
Fence Height Regulations 101
Hey there, folks! Thanks for swinging by the Waukesha Fence Masters blog. Today, we're gonna tackle a question that we get asked a lot: "How high can my fence be around my house?" The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. Sure, it might seem like you can just slap up any old fence as tall as you want, but there's a bit more to consider. Buckle up, because we're about to dig into the nitty-gritty of
fence height regulations, and throw in some tips for good measure.
Firstly, and most importantly, you gotta check out the local laws and regulations. These are set by your city, town, or county, and they’re the fence height gospel you’ve got to follow. In Waukesha, WI, for example, you might find restrictions on fence heights based on their location on your property. Generally speaking, fences in the front yard are usually limited to about 3 to 4 feet, while fences in the back can go up to 6 feet or even 8 feet in some cases. But always, always, always (did I say always?) check your local laws before you start hammering away.
Why the difference in height? Well, it mostly boils down to visibility and aesthetics. Shorter fences in the front yard help maintain a welcoming atmosphere and keep sightlines clear. You don't want to be 'that house' on the block that looks like it's preparing for a medieval siege.
Now, what if you've got specific needs? Maybe you're eager to keep out pesky deer, or perhaps you've got a Great Dane that could easily clear a 4-foot fence. For these cases, you'll likely need a special permit to install a taller fence. And remember, sometimes it's not just how high you can build but also what materials you're allowed to use. Chain-link fences might be a no-go in some neighborhoods looking to maintain a certain aesthetic, so check into that too.
If you share a property line with a neighbor, definitely consult with them before making any decisions. Not just because it's the polite thing to do (which it is), but sometimes local laws require mutual agreement for any fence that straddles property lines.
Oh, and let’s not forget: utility lines. Before you start digging holes for your fence posts, call up the local utility companies or digger's hotline to mark any underground utility lines. Hitting one of those is a surefire way to turn your fence project into a fiasco.
And last but not least, if you're part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), they'll likely have their own rules too. Because let's be real, when does an HOA not have something to say about what you can or can’t do with your property?
In summary, before you go dreaming of a towering fortress surrounding your home, do your homework. Check local laws, consult your neighbors, get the right permits, and make sure you're not about to dig into some important underground cable or something. Or you know, you could save yourself the headache and
give us a call at
Waukesha Fence Masters. We're pros at navigating all these rules, so you don't have to. Happy fencing, y'all!
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