Picking a fence design that perfectly complements the look of your land can be difficult enough, but the long list of codes for fence installation in Lonsdale also needs to be considered. Before disrupting the ground, know all of the areas of your property and what it contains underneath.
These frequently asked questions can help solve any issues you are worried about or even present you with unknown rules that need to be followed.
Each property owner has to consider their specific land, and through the process of installing a fence, understand where structures can be placed. Private property, whether the city’s or your neighbors, cannot be impeded on if you want to avoid future fines. There can even be a request to take down your fence, and this will be done out of your own pocket.
The proper location for a fence is completely on your own property, setback from the property line by at least one foot. It cannot block any natural drainage or disable city access to public utilities.
The City of Lonsdale will allow you to build your fence on an easement if they approve your plan and you sign an easement encroachment agreement. One of the most important points of this agreement is that any damage that may come to the fence if the city needs to access the easement will not be the city’s responsibility to fix.
Your property pins need to be visible before any installation is begun by Northland Fence. Find these in each corner of your lot, and this will be a quick process of seeking if you use a metal detector.
Fence installation in Lonsdale needs to follow state rules, city rules, and even your specific neighborhood guidelines. It is never wise to build a fence out of spite to another neighbor, that is actually illegal. Be courteous to other property owners and they are more likely to show you the same regard.
And fence constructed on your own property does not need to be anyone’s business, but your own. Even though law does not expect you to tell a neighbor of this construction, it can be a nice gesture to elude to your construction plans. If you are hooking a fence up adjacent to a neighbor’s fence, or creating a fence on a property line, your neighbor will need to give written consent.
Good neighbors keep their property up to neighborhood standards,. This will include the appearance and future maintenance of your fence. Taking care of your land shows you respect your home, and also the community around it.
If you and another property owner share a fence, it is both of your responsibility to take care of the fence appropriately. If you are the only one in need of a fence- such as to enclose a swimming pool or animal, the costs could completely fall on you. Contact the Lonsdale City Hall at (507) 744-2327 for further information.
Lonsdale requests that you follow any additional standards set by your covenant, subdivision, or homeowner’s association. This can be further restriction on height, color choice, and placement.
Do not ignore the extraneous issues that may arise when constructing your fence. Begin with your detailed plan, even if you have to lay it out on paper. Read through these processes and you’ll be sufficiently knowledgeable to complete an application and know how to handle hidden underground utilities.
A zoning permit is required for any fence built between four to six feet. On residential properties it is imperative to include a complete site plan with fence material details. This can be replaced by a certified survey of your land. Two inspections are required, one in the beginning, and one once the fence is erected. You can arrange these by contacting The Lonsdale Building and Inspection Department at (507) 667-9296.
Utilities are contacted by whoever installs the fence. During self installation you should contact Gopher State One to be able to mark underground utilities yourself. Northland Fence will complete this process if they are completing the construction.
A survey gives clarity on your exact property lines and can be a great addition to procuring a zoning permit. This can replaced with a complete layout of your fence with detailed lines of your lot.
Make sure your swimming pool is safely enclosed with a fence that is at least four feet tall. The gate must have a lock that is secured at all times the pool is being used. Fences must be set three feet from the water’s edge so there is a safe space for traffic around the pool.
Consider that regulations also affect what your actual fence must look like. Do not bypass important rules like how tall your fence can be, and pay attention to prohibited materials. Most of these standards are for safety so they need followed closely.
Height is important, especially in front yards. Fences cannot exceed four feet when placed in view of traffic or next to pedestrian accessed sidewalks. In backyards, fences can be as tall as six feet.
Fences on corner lots and front yards must have limited opacity (up to 75%.)
The state of Minnesota outlaws any fences with added barbed wire or electrical charges.
When you choose a fence, know exactly what you want to use it for. Understand there will be many choices, even on the material. It can be natural to go with a traditional cedar fence, and not consider the repeated maintenance it will need, or the discoloration that can occur over harsh winter seasons, or under the hot summer sun.
Vinyl fencing has become a viable option because it has an extended lifetime of 20-30 years, and has low maintenance because of its durability. Privacy vinyl fencing can even prove the answer to blocking excessive noise from neighbors.
All regulations are specific to your neighborhood, the city of Lonsdale, and the State of Minnesota. Follow all of the guidelines, so there is less stress and questioning during installation. It can be imperative to contact a local fencing company like Northland Fence to guide you with their knowledgeable staff and show why so many others have had excellent experiences employing their help.
Understanding how to properly and legally install your fence is the beginning step in the entire process. While it is not as fun as choosing colors or designs, laws must be considered. Follow the specific regulations for the Lonsdale community and choose a quality fence for a successful installation experience.
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