When you are installing a fence on your Bloomington property, you have the freedom to install it anywhere within your property lines. If you intend to build directly on the property line, you will need a written agreement with the other property owner(s) before beginning installation.

Although you are not required to notify your neighbors of your Bloomington vinyl fence installation project if it is within property lines, it is the neighborly thing to do. Whether it is a black vinyl fence, white vinyl fence, or any type of privacy fence or picket fence, this courtesy goes a long way when you are installing a fence between properties.

You may need a permit for installing fences in certain situations. A fence taller than six (6) feet in height, within floodplains, and/or less than 10 feet inland from the ordinary high water level requires a permit from the Building and Inspection Division before it is installed. Additionally, fences may not be built on a right-of-way without prior approval and encroachment agreement. With Northland Fence, we’ll help ensure you have the proper permits before beginning your fence installation, so we don’t add unnecessary fines or fees to your budgeted vinyl fence cost.

Property owners are always responsible for verifying, before beginning installation, that there are no conflicts with any utilities. This can be done by calling the Gopher State One-call in order to locate any utility lines. Northland Fence will always perform this step when installing your fence to ensure safety at all times.

Fence height in Bloomington depends on location. Fences on front setbacks can be up to four (4) feet high, but must be 50% maximum opacity if over three (3) feet. In this case, a picket fence may be a better option over opaque vinyl fence panels designed for privacy fences. Rear and side lot fencing can be six (6) feet, but up to eight (8) feet if building setbacks are met.

Your fence should never block any utility easement, and telephone poles and sewer access should always remain accessible for public workers. Your Bloomington fence should never block public rights of way. It is possible to receive approval of an encroachment agreement from the Director of Public Works, but the city or permitted agencies cannot be held responsible for damage or reinstallation of a removed fence.