As a property owner in Minnesota, it is your responsibility to know the boundaries of your property. Any fencing you install must be assembled within those property lines. Remember that fencing should never interfere with traffic visibility or impede access to utility easements that contain telephone poles or fire hydrants. Building a fence on a property line may be allowed if your neighbors sign an ownership agreement.

Northland Fence can help you work within the confines of your property as you plan your fence. Our fence planning tool is also a great planning resource.

Unless you would like to build a fence on a property line, you are not legally obligated to notify your neighbors about your plans to build a fence within your property lines. However, it is often wise to be open and transparent during the installation process as a courtesy to your neighbors.

Yes. To receive approval to install a fence, you will need to apply for a permit and return your completed application to the City Planning Division for approval. You must also pay a $30 application fee and provide a detailed plot plan that clearly shows your proposed fence in relation to your property lines. Be sure to accurately respond to all questions on the application pertaining to fence height and material.

Before you install a fence, contact Gopher State One at 651-454-0002 to locate utilities on your property. Northland Fence can make this call on your behalf to ensure that any digging is completed safely. Gopher State One may need a 48 hour notice.

Yes. The maximum height for fences built in a residential front yard is 42″ or 3.5 feet. The maximum height for a fence lining the rear or side of a residential property is 72″ or 6 feet. Height restrictions may vary for commercial or industrial properties.

A fence should never impede anyone from accessing an easement on your property. For this reason, it is best to avoid constructing your fence on an easement. If you build a fence that interferes with access to an easement, the fence may be removed at your expense.

Yes. Property owners are forbidden from installing electric and barbed wire fences on their property. Farm fencing, pipes, and T-posts are also forbidden.