Fence Installation Contractors Watertown, MN

Getting a Fence in Watertown, MN

Learn each of the regulations for fence installation in Watertown before you begin any digging. There are regulations on design and how to get permission to construct by the city. Remember that your situations can differ from others depending on the layout of your land.

All of the frequently asked questions others have asked before your project can push your construction ahead, and legally.

Do I need my property pins exposed?

Can I install a boundary fence?

Can I build my fence on an easement?

Where can I place my fence on the property?

Do I need to notify my neighbors when getting a fence?

What is the good neighbor rule and does it apply for my fence?

Do I need a fence permit?

Who calls the utilities when installing my fence?

Do I need a survey before installing a fence?

What should I do if I live on a corner lot?

What is the height restrictions on a fence?

Are there any design restrictions?

How do I choose a fence?

Know Your Property

Once the lines of your land are clear, the layout of your fence can be decided. A safe placement of the barrier will depend on whether there are setback limits in place for fence installation in Watertown. Also take into account where public easements are and if they will interfere with your plans.

Do I need my property pins exposed?

Limiting construction to you land can be physically proven if the property pins are visible. Uncover these metal stakes placed in each corner of your property prior to Northland Fence constructing.

Can I build my fence on an easement?

Easements should be avoided when possible, however fences may be placed on an easement when approved on the permit. Fence owners must understand that when a fence blocks access or prevents proper use of an easement, any damages or removal, performed by the easement’s intended user, will be at the expense of the owner.

Can I install a boundary fence?

Neighbors can join together to build a shared fence. The costs will be split and the fence can serve both their needs. Boundary fences cannot be built if both parties are not in agreement. Even if a fence is on the property line that neither has constructed, it still needs maintained by both parties.

Where can I place my fence on the property?

Fences should be placed inside the property lines of its owner, without encroaching on neighboring property. With approval from neighboring property owners, fences may be place directly on the property line. Fences can never block vision at traffic intersections or be placed within 10 feet of a road. Fences are permitted on an easement with the understanding that damages may occur at the owner’s expense.

Know Your Neighbors

Use your communication skills to keep the community a place of respect. Tension can arise if plans are not kept in the open, for all surrounding people to know. Rules even exist on how and when to properly contact fellow land owners.

Do I need to notify my neighbors when getting a fence?

Neighbors only need notified if you are attempting to build a boundary fence. Permission is needed from them if you will tread on their property, even momentarily, during fence installation in Watertown. Also receive their written approval if you intend to attach your fence to them.

What is the good neighbor rule and does it apply for my fence?

How you take care of your land is a serious matter and by handling this according you will become a Good Neighbor. Keep all structures on your property up to standard at all times, for appearance and for safety.

Is your neighbor required to pay for a sharing fence line?

The agreement to build a boundary fence on a shared property line must be completed by both parties out of need of the structure. One party cannot erect a shared fence and ask for payment on the barrier. Fences that exist and were not constructed by either adjoining owner still needs maintained or rebuilt by them both.

Know The Details

Have a basic outline of your fence prepared when filling out a permit application. Information will be needed on your property and the exact placement of the fence. This is the time to take care of locating utilities and having a Survey performed, if needed.

Do I need a fence permit?

A zoning permit will be necessary for any fence up to 6 feet, which is the limit for fencing on residential lots. Fences any taller will need a building permit, this will only be allowed on residential lots with a variance, such as when the neighboring property is non residential. Your fence permit application will require a certificate of survey and a site plan that defines the design and location of the proposed fence. Once posts are in place, you will also need to schedule an inspection.

Who calls the utilities when installing my fence?

Your property likely has underground utility lines running through it, which will need to be avoided during installation. Any damages to utility lines will be the responsibility of the installer, whether it is a professional or self installation. The responsible party will need to contact Gopher State One in order to have these locations marked to avoid damages and repair costs.

Do I need a survey before installing a fence?

A certificate of survey is a required part of the zoning permit application. When a certified surveyor inspects your property they will be able to define your exact property lines as well as any areas on your property that may need special attention. This information will be compiled into a site plan that uses accurate measurements to depict your property, including existing structures and significant foliage.

What should I do if I live on a corner lot?

Corner lot owners should first know, both yards that abut a street are considered the front yard and will have to comply with those regulations or be setback at least 30 feet. Corner lots also include a sight triangle located at the property corner, measured 20 feet down along each property line. No fence can be constructed in this area to allow proper sight lines for drivers approaching the intersection.

Know The Appearance

The value added to your land goes hand in hand with the style a fresh fence gives a property. Certain material will prove very detrimental once installed, if not dangerous to all around it. Know all the ‘look’ guidelines to align with your potential purchase.

What is the height restrictions on a fence?

Within the front setback of your home, fences are limited to a maximum of 3 feet. In the rear or side yards, fences may extend twice as high, to 6 feet. This measurement is taken from the finished grade of the ground to the highest point of the design.

Are there any design restrictions?

Most design restrictions concern keeping your fence in both a safe and visually pleasing condition. This means constructing your fence in a professional manner with appropriate materials and performing regular maintenance. The finished side of your fence should also be faced towards the neighboring properties.

Materials used should be of a durable and weather resistant quality. Temporary and farm fencing such as hog wire or snow fences are not a acceptable designs in residential areas. Dangerous or defensive designs that use barbed wire or an electric current are also restricted.

How do I choose a fence?

New structures on your property will usually solve a problem in your lifestyle or layout of land. To keep an animal contained, use a fully panel fence. Chain link can provide visibility in corner lots, but optimal security. Vinyl fencing options have taken over the scene because of the no-hassle installation and low-maintenance material.

It’s The Law

Have all knowledge of your property, prospective fence, and even additional permit documentation at hand to make the process that much faster. Sometimes it can get tedious and a lot of the stress of fence installation in Watertown can be relieved by contracting Northland Fence. They are dedicated to showing the entire state by they are the top-rated company in state.

It's the Law

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 Watertown community and choose a quality fence for a successful installation experience.

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