City of Prescott fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Prescott? Yes. The City of Prescott requires a permit before you build a fence.
buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Prescott (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Fee
- $0.60 per lineal foot (2026 City Fee Schedule, Mun. Code 635-86) source
- Side and rear yards
- 6 ft or less on rear lot lines source
- Front (street) yard
- 4 ft on front lot lines (2 1/2 ft within vision triangles) source
- Corner lots
- 2 1/2 ft within vision triangles source
- Distance from lot line
- Any fence may be placed 2 ft from the property line without neighbor permission; a fence on the property line needs written approval of the adjoining owners. All fences must be set back at least 5 ft from the front property line (§635-89D). source
- Good side faces
- Finished or decorative side faces the adjoining property; the dress side is on the outside. source
- Not allowed
- Electrified fences; barbed wire (except in industrial areas, at least 8 ft high); unsightly or dangerous materials that would be a nuisance. source
- How to apply
- In person source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Prescott
Steps based on prescottwi.gov — faq
- Fill out the City's Fence/Retaining Wall/Driveway/Tree Permit Application (Planning page of prescottwi.gov, or from City Hall).
- Include design specifications for the fence.
- Submit the application, documentation and fee to City Hall, 800 Borner St N (Mon-Thu 7:30-4:30, Fri 7:30-1:30). Call 715-262-5544 with questions.
- Call Diggers Hotline (811) at least 3 business days before digging.
- Paying
- $0.60 per lineal foot, paid when applying
Who to contact
Matt Wolf
City Administrator / Zoning Administrator
- Phone
- 715-262-5544
- [email protected]
- Hours
- Mon-Thu 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Address
- Prescott City Hall, 800 Borner St N, Prescott, WI 54021
Contact from prescottwi.gov — Planning
What to submit
- Fence/Retaining Wall/Driveway/Tree Permit Application
- Design specifications
- Permit fee paid at application
Other rules to know
- Temporary fences need no permit but may not stay up more than 45 days.
- The code allows front-yard fences of 4 ft 'on the front lot lines' and also says all fences must be set back 5 ft from the front property line; ask the city how these fit together.
- Fence fee is $0.60 per lineal foot for new fences (up to or over 50 ft) and for replacement over 50 ft. Building permits (not fences) are handled by All-Croix Inspections, 715-377-2152.
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 Prescott, WI?
Yes. The City of Prescott requires a permit before you build a fence. Temporary fences need no permit but may not stay up more than 45 days.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Prescott?
Side and rear yards: 6 ft or less on rear lot lines. Front (street) yard: 4 ft on front lot lines (2 1/2 ft within vision triangles). Corner lots: 2 1/2 ft within vision triangles.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of Prescott?
Any fence may be placed 2 ft from the property line without neighbor permission; a fence on the property line needs written approval of the adjoining owners. All fences must be set back at least 5 ft from the front property line (§635-89D).
Which side of the fence has to face the neighbor in the City of Prescott?
Finished or decorative side faces the adjoining property; the dress side is on the outside.
How much is a fence permit in the City of Prescott?
$0.60 per lineal foot (2026 City Fee Schedule, Mun. Code 635-86).
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Prescott?
Fill out the City's Fence/Retaining Wall/Driveway/Tree Permit Application (Planning page of prescottwi.gov, or from City Hall). Include design specifications for the fence. Submit the application, documentation and fee to City Hall, 800 Borner St N (Mon-Thu 7:30-4:30, Fri 7:30-1:30). Call 715-262-5544 with questions. Call Diggers Hotline (811) at least 3 business days before digging. buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Prescott (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Prescott?
Matt Wolf, City Administrator / Zoning Administrator. Phone 715-262-5544, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from the City of Prescott's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Municipal Code §635-89 Fences
Work for the City of Prescott? 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.