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50 • AUGUST 2012 • WORLD FENCE NEWS As part of an ongoing and long- standing series, World Fence News of- fers this "snapshot" of building ordinances which affect fence installa- tions from municipalities across the United States and Canada. This infor- mation was taken from official sources, but you should always consult the ap- propriate building departments where you plan to work for specific require- ments. Milwaukee, Wisconsin Fence requirements – residential Fences offer privacy and enclosure that may be desireable in a residential setting. Fences also have a visual im- pact on properties and neighborhoods. To ensure that impact is positive, the Fence ordinances from around the U.S. City of Milwaukee regulates fences. These regulations establish standards for fence materials, construction, heights and placement on the property. Fences may be built up to the property line (which is a shared invis- ible line between two adjoining prop- erties). Fences may be set back any distance from the lot line. You will need to determine where your property lines are located. If a survey is not included with your mort- gage papers, you may wish to hire a surveyor (listed online or in the Yellow Pages) to determine and mark your lot lines. Placing a fence that goes over a lot line onto your neighbor's property is not allowed; additional expense may be incurred to remedy the situation. A fence may not be built on neigh- boring property. If you believe your neighbor's fence encroaches onto your property, you may initiate private legal action. City government does not arbi- trate these disputes. Code requirements – materials Fences must be built with ap- proved fence wire, standard fence wood, vinyl, or metal such as wrought iron. You may not build a fence with scrap lumber, chicken wire, wood pal- lets, or other unapproved materials. Fence posts and supports must be in- RESIDENTIAL & INDUSTRIAL OPERATORS TILT-A-WAY Compare our quality! You will see there is a difference! Commercial Residential stalled on the side of the fence that faces your own house or yard (good side toward your neighbor). Historic districts If you live in a local historic dis- trict, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required before a fence permit can be issued. Height and location The height allowed for a fence de- pends on its location on your lot and on the fence style or material. Corner continued on page 52 Addressing sensitive issues continued from page 48 provided? If so, who qualifies and who pays the premiums? • Is your health or life insurance program voluntary, company-paid or a combination of each? • What are the lengths of vacation time to which an employee is entitled, and at what stage in the employment? Does vacation or sick time carry over from year to year, or must it all be taken or used in a specified period? Can it be converted to pay if not used? As you can see, there are a myriad of details that must be addressed and spelled out clearly so that everyone has a clear understanding of what is ex- pected and what he or she must do in order to become a "complete" and knowledgeable employee of your busi- ness. Be aware of legal ramifications and responsibilities in setting up your book. Use appropriate professionals as well as local and national associations and trade publications such as this one to help you in your research. Much of your manual is common sense, actually responses to questions which are asked by potential as well as current employees. Having clearly- stated parameters makes everyone's work life simpler to understand. And, of course, we have not yet touched on other areas which must concern your business, such as detail- ing of responsibilities and duties to be assumed and performed in a given po- sition. All operators meet UL-325 and CSA-247 (800) 523-3888 www.tiltaway.com info@tiltaway.com In my next column, we will ad- dress those further areas to be covered in your book, whose basic aim is to help you and your business always re- alize that PROFIT IS NOT A DIRTY WORD!™ WFN contributing editor Jim Lucci writes a monthly column on business management and issues which affect fence company owners and operators. He is president of Man- agement Motivational Associates of Freeport, N.Y. See his ad in this month's issue of World Fence News.