8 feet is the maximum fence height in Elk River. Any fences above 7 feet require a building permit, but fences 7 feet or less only require a zoning permit. You must apply for a variance in addition to a building permit if your fence exceeds the 8 feet height limit. Fence installations adjacent to the front setback of your property must be no more than 4 feet tall.

Because access by the city might be necessary at any time, you’re better off avoiding the installation of your new fence on an easement. Request permission from the Elk River Planning Department if installing your fence on an easement is unavoidable.

The state of Minnesota has banned the use of both electric and barbed wire fences.

As the property owner, defining the boundaries of your property and making sure that construction is within those limits rests on your shoulders. Before installing a fence on your property, make sure to check on whether it blocks access to utility easements, like fire hydrants and power poles, obstructs driver visibility, or prevents access to alleyways and sidewalks.

The fencing experts at Northland Fence provide a fence planning tool as well as advice and guidance to help ensure your installation meets your needs and property layout.

You are under no legal obligation to inform your neighbors about your project if the installation is limited to your land. When fencing is installed on a shared property line, you must sign an ownership agreement. However, we recommend communicating with your neighbors before and during installation as a common courtesy.

Only a zoning permit is required in Elk River, MN as long as your fence is 7 feet or less. An additional building permit is necessary for fences taller than 7 feet. Building a fence above 8 feet will require applying for a variance in order to get approval for your installation. You’ll need to submit your permit application along with an accurate site plan depicting all aspects of your property for a variance.

Your installation team should call Gopher State One Call in order to locate utility lines that might be damaged during construction. The team from Northland Fence will find and mark all utility lines before installation. If you choose to install your fence by yourself, just be sure to call the local utilities before you dig!