Before constructing a new fence, property owners in Minnesota must first determine their property’s borders. Unless you have a documented agreement with your neighbors, all fences must be erected inside your property borders. Fences are not allowed to obstruct road visibility, impede walkways, hide utility boxes, or restrict access to utility poles.

If a new fence construction doesn’t require passing through a neighbor’s property, then you are not legally required to inform them of a new fence construction. However, we still recommend giving your next-door neighbors a heads up before the construction begins. This is the neighborly thing to do, and will be appreciated if they have kids or pets.

Zimmerman is more laid back about fence permits than other cities in Minnesota. As long as the front fence is 4 feet or lower and the rear and side fences are 8 feet or lower, no permit is required. Exceeding these heights requires obtaining special permission from the city, and often involves applying for a building permit.

Someone from our team at Northland Fence will contact Gopher State One to locate and mark all utility lines. We know that causing damage to a utility can be both expensive and dangerous. The safety of our crew and clients is our highest priority.

Zimmerman is unique in allowing side and rear fences to reach 8 feet before a permit is required. Front fences can also reach four feet before a permit is required.

Like most cities in Minnesota, Zimmerman has a “window of visibility” rule for corner lots, although it is quite less restrictive than other cities. No fence, screen, or structure can be built within 25 feet of a corner formed by intersecting roads.

Zimmerman doesn’t have any explicit rules on building fences near easements. However, we still recommend that new fences provide access to easements like utility poles, electrical boxes, fire hydrants, and other pieces of localized infrastructure.

If any damage occurs to an easement due to a fence, then the property owner is likely to be considered liable. For the sake of peace of mind, we recommend that new fences don’t obstruct any nearby easements.