Like most cities, Inver Grove Heights requires that all fences be built within the owner’s property line. Exceptions may be made if an agreement is signed with the neighboring property.

Inver Grove Heights does not require you to notify your neighbors if you do not intend to enter their property during the construction. However, giving your neighbors advance notice of the construction is a courteous thing to do. This is particularly true if they have children or pets. No one likes being surprised by new construction.

Inver Grove Heights does require obtaining a fence permit before construction. The requirements for these permits are quite strict when compared to other cities in Minnesota.

The permit application requires specifications of the fence, including height, setbacks on each side, and valuation of the project. The application fee for a fence permit is $50.

Before construction, someone from Northland Fence will contact Gopher State One to ensure that all utility lines are correctly located. Like most states, Minnesota has strict rules about identifying underground utility lines before any new construction project. Striking a utility line can be dangerous, and we always put safety first.

Inver Grove Heights has fluctuating fence requirements based on its proximity to the house. Corner lots have additional restrictions.

Regardless of the fence’s location, it may not exceed seven feet in height. Front yard fences cannot exceed 42 inches in height and must offer 75% opacity to allow visibility and the passage of air and light.

Like most cities in Minnesota, corner lots in Inver Grove Heights must abide by the “triangle of visibility rule.” Any fence that is within 30 feet of an intersection point cannot exceed 42 inches in height and must have 75% opacity. This rule applies even if the intersection point is on the rear or side of the property.

Exceptions to these rules may be granted with prior approval from the city. We can help you pursue these permissions if necessary.

Inver Grove Heights strictly prohibits any new fence construction that may interfere with the access of easements. Easement examples may include utility poles, utility boxes, city drainage, fire hydrants, public walkways or alleyways, and other localized pieces of infrastructure.

In certain circumstances, special permissions may be granted to build near or over certain types of easements. This requires communicating with the city’s engineering department and usually requires on-site inspections. This will increase the overall cost of the construction and is best avoided when possible.