Locate and uncover property stakes prior to fence installation in Belle Plaine. This will show you are not treading on other’s land. These also need uncovered for the City’s first inspection of the land, and the intended location of the barrier.

Property pins are in each corner of the lot, so use any vague knowledge and metal detector to pinpoint them.

Boundary fences are built on the line dividing two lots. These structures are made out of an agreement by both parties, who will share costs and future care of the barrier.

If one neighbor builds on the property line, it is illegal to not be in agreement with the other land owner.

Easement areas on or near your property may need to be accessed at any time without notification for regular or emergency work and maintenance. Belle Plaine does not allow property owners to build on an easement. Even fences, not on the easement but which still prevent access or interfere with rightful use, may be damaged or removed at the expense of the owner.

With written approval from the neighboring property owner, a fence may be built up to or on the property line. Otherwise, fences may only be constructed up to 2 feet from the property line. Fences must always be at least 2 feet from any public right of way. Property owners will have to take note of and avoid water drainage, wetlands, easements, and traffic sight triangles.

Decisions made on your own property, including construction, is only your personal affairs. It is helpful for the energy of the community to share these plans with those around so no surprise construction causes negative attitudes.

There are a few reasons why perspective fence owners might need legal permission from their adjoining neighbor. If the other landowner’s property needs accessed during fence installation in Belle Plaine, or if your fence needs attached to theirs directly.

Even if your construction is only on your land, tell others around you of the decision to make an addition to your land. This common courtesy can save you from many negative attitudes.

Boundary fences save money for both homeowners, if they both would like to construct a ence and could gain from its existence on the property line. These shared fences cannot be erected by one party, without the fellow landowner knowing and approving. In a full legal boundary fence the costs are shared, and so is maintenance throughout time.

Gather all of the specifics of the protocol for the particular fence you want to build, and where you want it to go, and expect the City to take a little time approving your new structure. These fine details are important for knowing what paperwork, or additional documentation will be needed.

A building permit is called for when preparing for a fence installation in Belle Plaine. The permit will need approved before any construction is began and there must be two inspections completed. The City Building Official can schedule these if you contact them at 952‐873‐5553.

Gopher State One is who needs contacted prior to breaking ground on your land. They know the locations of underground utility lines that need left alone while building. Northland fence will complete all of this footwork when contracted.

Building permits in Belle Plaine will require a scaled site plan but necessarily a certificate of survey. For some, a survey may be the best way to create an accurate site plan with all the necessary details. A survey may be required if property pins are missing or broken orif property lines cannot be properly defined for another reason.

Swimming pools always require a barrier of at least 4 feet as a safety measure for children when the area is unsupervised. Fences must be of a design that is resistant to water damage and climbing. This means it may include no readily available footholds or gaps greater than 4 inches. Gates should always use self closing and latching equipment and should also be kept locked when not in use.

Corner lot owners are restricted from building within a visibility triangle located at the property corner nearest a street or railroad right of way intersection. This area is measured 25 feet along each property line front the corner. Remember the property corner will likely have a setback from the curb lines.

The appearance aspects that are regulated by the city are the height and material. Some design aspects will need examined as well, for safety reasons. Erecting a fence that is too large, or has a dangerous composition is illegal in residential areas.

Fences may not reach higher than 6 feet in rear or side lots, but within the front yard setback, fences are limited to 4 feet. Additional height may be allowed if the neighboring property is nonresidential.

Belle Plaine demands that property owners only use quality materials and designs when constructing a fence. Materials or designs that can be considered dangerous, such as electric or barbed wire fences, are restricted in residential areas. Owners are also required to keep the structure to a level of maintenance which reflects safety and visual appeal.

What type of fence you choose to put on your land will reflect what it can do for the land. Try to decide early on if you would like a full-coverage privacy fence, or even a more open picket design for aesthetic.

Vinyl fencing has become a leader in the industry because of its maintenance-free composition and how its visual appeal is just as strong as traditional wooden fences.

Have a stress-free fence installation in Belle Plaine by knowing what to expect at each step of the process. You have a lot of freedom in design, and with the amount of fencing options, there will be something wonderful to match the land. So, always align the fence with these important rules, for safety and to save you time (and money) in the future.