Like most Minnesota cities, Inver Grove Heights mandates that all new fences be built within the owner’s property limits. Exceptions can be made if an official agreement is signed with neighboring properties.

The city of Inver Grove Heights does not legally require you to inform your neighbors if you don’t need to enter their property during the construction process. However, giving your neighbors a heads-up is the polite thing to do. This is especially true if they have kids or pets. Nobody likes being surprised by new construction outside their kitchen window.

Inver Grove Heights requires obtaining a fence permit before any new construction can begin. The application requirements are more strict than other cities in Minnesota.

The permit application must include the specifications of the new fence, including height, setbacks on each side, and estimated valuation of the project. The application fee for a fence permit in Inver Grove Heights is $50.

Before the construction begins, someone from Northland Fence will get in touch with Gopher State One to ensure that all of the utility lines are properly located. Like most states, Minnesota has strict requirements for identifying utility lines before any new construction project. Accidentally striking a utility line can be dangerous, and we always put safety first.

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

No matter the fence’s location, it cannot exceed seven feet in height. Front yard fences may not exceed 42 inches in height and they must offer 75% opacity for visibility and the passage of air and light.

Like most jurisdictions in Minnesota, corner lots must abide by the “triangle of visibility rule.” Any fence that is within 30 feet of an intersection point can not exceed 42 inches in height and must also have 75% opacity. This rule still applies even if the intersection point is at the rear or side of the property.

Exceptions to these rules may be granted if prior approval from the city is obtained. We can help you pursue these exceptions if needed.

Inver Grove Heights does not permit fences that may interfere with the access of easements. Easements such as city drainage, utility poles, utility boxes, fire hydrants, public walkways or alleyways, etc, can not be obstructed by a fence.

In some circumstances, special permissions can be granted to build near or over specific types of easements. Gaining these permissions typically requires working with the city’s engineering department, which includes on-site inspections. We can help you pursue this exception if necessary.