First, as a property owner, you are responsible for defining your own property lines. A new fence must be constructed within those property lines. A fence can be on a property line only if your neighbors sign an ownership agreement. Note that a fence cannot block access to utility easements, including fire hydrants and telephone poles. Fences also cannot block traffic visibility, public sidewalks, or alleyways.

Northland Fence will help with your planning and design, based on your specific property layout. See our fence planning tool for help with your design and budget considerations.

If the construction of your new fence will only occur on your land, and won’t affect your neighbor’s property, there is no legal obligation to tell your neighbors before you begin. Keeping an open dialogue of communication is always best, however, and we recommend that you consider discussing your project as a kind courtesy before starting construction.

If your fence is six feet or less, a building permit is not required. A building permit is required for a fence over 6 feet in height in St. Michael, MN. In this case, contact City Hall to obtain a building permit application and information on additional requirements.

The city of St. Michael does not state a maximum fence height that is allowed, but if your fence is higher than 6 feet, you will need a building permit. Contact the City of St. Michael at 763-497-2041 if your fence exceeds 6 feet to ask about any additional requirements.

Yes – some fencing materials are outlawed in the state of Minnesota. Electric and barbed wire fences are restricted and cannot be used.

Our team at Northland Fence will mark all your utility lines before we begin digging and installing your new fence—and this is an important first step. Next, we will contact Gopher State One Call, which takes care of all utilities for fencing in Minnesota. Make sure you call all utilities before you begin digging if you are installing a fence yourself.

It’s best to try to avoid building a new fence on a utility easement, because you’ll have to allow the city to access it at all times. Due to the layout of your yard, and property, it may be unavoidable. If you must enclose a utility easement behind your fence, contact the St. Michael Planning Department for permission.