You can build your fence anywhere on your property, but you will need to know exactly where your property boundaries are on all sides. You don’t want your new fence to encroach onto your neighbor’s property without express written permission. Check with your local fence statutes; and if you don’t know where your property lines lie, consider hiring a surveyor to avoid future disputes with your neighbors.

It’s courteous to communicate with your neighbors about any fencing that you decide to install on your property, but you’re not legally required to do so. If you and your neighbor will be sharing the installation costs of the fence and have a written agreement between you, then you should keep your neighbor in the loop about installation. If you live in a subdivision with association covenant, check with the committee before installing a fence to see if it is allowed.

A fence permit is required for fences over 7 feet above grade. No permit is needed for fencing under 7 feet. Northland Fence will call Gopher State One to find and mark all utility lines before installing any fencing on your property. A fence inspection is not required unless your fence is above 7-feet tall or is placed around a swimming pool.

Corner lots require that fences are no taller than 3 feet in height so that there’s no loss of vision for oncoming drivers or pedestrians. Pool fencing must be at least 4 feet in height. Front yard fences cannot be constructed over 4 feet in height. Backyard and inner lot side yards fall under the 7-feet restriction.

You cannot build a fence on an easement. Residential easements are legal land agreements between homeowners and the City of Monticello and must remain accessible. Easements often contain utility lines and building a fence on an easement may impede both driver and pedestrian sight lines, especially around corners.

Front yard fences must remain no more than 60 percent opaque. That means that you must be able to see through 40 percent of the fence. Fencing material around residential pool areas must be durable, non-corrosive and resistant to decay. The City of Monticello states that no barbed or razor wire is permitted.