Meet Alex, a homeowner in Woodbury, MN. He wants a new backyard fence—something sturdy, attractive, and code‑legal. But when he looks into it, he realizes every city in Minnesota seems to have different rules: heights, setbacks, fees, surveys, conditional use permits…
He’s intimidated by bureaucratic forms, worried about fines or delays, and overwhelmed by local differences.
The Problem: Regulatory Confusion
Across Minnesota, cities classify fences differently:
- In Minneapolis, fences over 7 ft in height require a building permit and construction plans; under that can be installed mostly permit‑free, yet still must follow zoning (e.g. front yard no more than 3 ft).
- In St. Paul, a Fence Plan Review/Permit is required—with a complete site plan or survey—before any construction.
- Duluth requires a permit for fences taller than 4 ft, and also a building permit for all taller fences.
- Blaine demands a Conditional Use Permit for any fence 7 ft or taller.
- Woodbury (and many other suburbs) require zoning permits for all fence installations, plus detailed layouts and site plans.
Alex is stuck: “What do I need in Woodbury? Will they reject my plan? What if my neighbor disagrees? What if there’s an easement?”
Enter the Guide: Northland Fence
That’s where Northland Fence steps in. A family-owned Minnesota-based company since 2004, we’ve served cities like Prior Lake, Brooklyn Park, Apple Valley, Woodbury, and more. We emphasize local code knowledge, personalized consultation, and full service from site-planning through inspection.
The Plan: Five Simple Steps
Step 1: Discovery & Code Check
Northland visits Alex’s property, reviews lot lines and easements, checks zoning maps, and confirms Woodbury’s requirement for a permit and layout. We identify all limits: fence height, setbacks, and easement restrictions.
Step 2: Preparing the Permit Package
We create a basic site plan or survey showing property boundaries, proposed line of fence, and distance from easements/structures. We fill out Woodbury’s zoning permit forms, including material specifications, height dimensions, fee estimates, and any required neighbor information.
Step 3: Submitting & Monitoring Application
Northland submits the permit packet to the city planning department. For example, Brooklyn Park charges roughly a $26 application fee and holds a review before work begins. In Woodbury, similar procedures apply—they follow through until approval.
Step 4: Installing to Code
Once the permit is issued, Northland schedules installation. We dig proper post holes (typically frost‑safe depths), use materials compliant with local regulations, and respect easements and setbacks. Our crews work efficiently, so homes are left clean, safe, and tidy.
Step 5: Inspection & Final Sign‑Off
Where inspections are required—such as fences above thresholds, pool enclosures, or unusual designs—Northland coordinates the inspection and ensures compliance. In many cities like St. Paul, plan review ensures standards before any work begins.
The Success Story: Alex’s Fence Built Right
Alex’s backyard fence in Woodbury goes smoothly:
- No guesswork—Northland handled all city-specific hurdles (zoning permit, layout requirements, neighbor notifications).
- Fast process—permit submitted quickly, city approved in about two weeks.
- Proper installation—posts installed to frost standards, materials matched permit details.
- Inspection clarity—even though Woodbury didn’t require a final on-site inspection, the process followed all legal requirements.
- The final result: a beautiful, durable fence that met all codes.
Why This Process Works
Clarity
Northland divides the journey into understandable phases: Code + Consult → Permit Prep → Submit → Install → Inspect.
Problem Solving
We remove the confusion:
- Alex doesn’t have to research every municipal code.
- He avoids surprises like halted work or fines.
Authority
Northland Fence brings decades of Minnesota-specific experience in cities from Woodbury to Brooklyn Park to Apple Valley. We know local thresholds—whether a permit is triggered at 4 ft, 6 ft, or 7 ft—and have extensive project history in those jurisdictions.
Empathy
We understand Alex’s hesitation to navigate local government bureaucracy. From the first phone call to project completion, Northland keeps him informed.
7. Extra Minnesota Wisdom
Minnesota also has a Partition Fence Law—neighbors share costs if land is “improved and used” and both benefit from the fence. Northland can advise on when this law might apply (e.g. shared boundary fences).
Also, a statewide guideline notes that fences over 7 ft require building permits in residential settings, no matter municipal variance.
Takeaway for Minnesota Residents
If you’re building a fence in Minnesota—whether in Minneapolis, Duluth, St. Paul, Woodbury, Blaine, Apple Valley, or beyond—local rules vary:
- Typical thresholds: 4 ft in Duluth, 6 ft in Farmington or St. Paul, 7 ft in Minneapolis unless zoning requires more.
- Many suburbs require permits even for standard backyard privacy fences—including Woodbury.
- Some cities (like Blaine) impose Conditional Use Permits for 7 ft+ fences; nearly all require site plans or surveys.
- Minnesota law adds neighbor-cost-sharing rules if the fence benefits both parties.
With Northland Fence, you get:
- A Minnesota‑based, family‑owned contractor since 2004 with deep local knowledge.
- A trusted partner who handles permits, surveys, city codes, and installation.
- A streamlined process that takes you from zoning confusion to a completed fence—with peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Northland Fence transforms the stressful, tangled permit maze in Minnesota into a clear, guided experience. From Duluth to Woodbury, Minneapolis to Apple Valley, our process ensures you have the right paperwork, meet the right setbacks, and follow the right inspection rules.
You don’t just get a beautiful fence—you get confidence and certainty that your fence is legal, built to code, and ready to stand through Minnesota winters. That’s the Northland Fence difference.
If you’d like a specific checklist for your city, sample site‑plan visuals, or a step‑by‑step permit guide—as they tailor to Woodbury, Minneapolis, or wherever you live—just say the word!