The decision to place a fence on your property can be out of utility, or even out of yearning for a new look for your home. There is much more involved than seeing a design you’d love and purchasing it. Along the entire process of fence installation in Mahtomedi, you have to consider the safety concerns a fence can cause if it is too tall, or if you run into natural drainage underground.
Know all of the frequently asked questions and their answers to begin the process of having your fencing plans approved and put into action.
Not knowing your property fully can lead to problems when understanding where to put the fence without impeding on a neighbor’s land. Multiple methods exist to fully examine the land, not just for property lines, but for any public easements within vicinity.
Property pins need to be fully visible before Northland Fence will perform an installation, as most fencing companies in Mahtomedi will request. Find these by looking at each corner of your lot, or even roaming with a metal detector in the area.
No structure can be built on an easement without prior approval from the Building Official. Easements include areas such as sewer or telephone pole access which must remain accessible for its intended user. The city will not be responsible for damages that occur when a fence blocks an easement.
All swimming pools must be protected by a barrier which restricts access to children when the pool is not in use. All gates should be self closing and be equipped with a lock. Gate latches must be 54 inches above the grade to remain out of reach of children. A pool fence must be at least 4 feet high and may not be more than 2 inches from the ground. In the case of chain link, the mesh size cannot exceed 1 ¾ inches and must be at least 11 gauge.
In most cases, your fence can be built up to your property line, as long as it does not encroach on neighboring property. A fence cannot be located within 5 feet of the paved edge of a street or 3 feet from an alley. Often your property line will already be setback from the curb and may be up to 25 feet away.
Neighborhoods have different energies, and to keep peace among property owners, construction plans should always be kept in the open. There are many situations when discussing a fence with a neighbor may prove beneficial. This can open the door to building a boundary fence, so be sure to know all of rules associated with shared fences and the notifying neighbors.
When your fence is located entirely within your property, you are not required to notify neighbors. Your neighbors should however be notified if you must enter their property in order to complete construction. This will help prevent unnecessary conflict.
The good neighbor rule should be applied to all property. If neighbors share a fence, both should do their part to keep it in good condition and honor the agreement made when was built. For an individually owned fence, the owner should perform maintenance in a timely manner. The neighbor should avoid activities that pose the threat of potential damages, even if they are prepared to pay for repairs.
Consider the process that is ahead, and plan accordingly to your particular situation. Knowing what issues could emerge during the construction can leave you better prepared if any complication does occur.
Mahtomedi does require residents to receive a zoning permit. You will need proof of a boundary survey, sight plan, and elevation drawing prepared by a certified surveyor to be turned in with your application. Your permit will need to be approved before any construction begins or ground is broken.
Utilities need contacted because there could be underground utilities hidden to even the property owner. Northland Fence take the responsibility of calling Gopher State One so they can accurately mark the land before fence installation in Mahtomedi.
A survey is required with the zoning permit application. There is a Certified Surveyor on Northland Fence’s team that can evaluate your land efficiently. A survey can be a viable option for those who have already devised a fence layout because there can certain parts of your land you could familiarize yourself with better.
Most restrictions for the appearance of your fence are in accordance to safety codes. Having a particular height will make sure there is clear traffic visibility and any pedestrians can safely travel along walkways. Use a critical eye to make sure your fence meets these standards.
Fences built in front yards, on lake fronts, or any area which could allow public access, such as a sidewalk or street, can be up to 4 feet in height. If you are constructing the fence in the backyard, it can be up to a height of 6 feet.
Across the entire state of Minnesota, electrical fences and barbed wire is not allowed on residential properties. Other design restrictions on color, or even style, could be present in your specific homeowners association. It is also required to have the finished side of the fence facing away from your property.
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.
Certain designs will compliment your property, or even create an entirely new look for your land. Before you chose a specific style, understand what purpose you want the fence to serve. An internet search will provide a much wider range of options than a traditional marketplace.
Also how long the fence will last is important, especially with the harsh Mahtomedi winters. Modern materials such as vinyl offer flexibility and an extended lifetime which traditional wood cannot compete with.
Regulations will affect the look of your fence and the process you must go through to get the installation approved. Follow them closely and research any special circumstances that may apply to be fully prepared.
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 Mahtomedi community and choose a quality fence for a successful installation experience.
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