Fence Permits & Setbacks in the Twin Cities

Almost every Twin Cities city requires a permit for new fences. Rules differ by city — here are the highlights.

General rules (most Twin Cities cities)

• Rear & side yards: 6 ft tall max (some cities 6.5).
• Front yards: 4 ft max, often 50% open (picket / split-rail).
• Corner lots: sight-triangle rules at intersections — 3 ft max within 25 ft of the corner.
• Pool fences: 4 ft min, self-closing & self-latching gate.
• Finished side toward neighbor required in most cities.
• Property survey strongly recommended before posting.

City-by-city quick reference

Minneapolis

• Permit: required for fences over 6 ft only.
• Max: 6 ft rear/side, 4 ft front (some districts 3 ft).
• Boulevard fences: not allowed.
• Rules: minneapolismn.gov → Construction & Trade Permits.

St. Paul

• Permit: required for ANY new fence.
• Max: 6.5 ft rear/side, 4 ft front yard.
• Finished side outward.
• Rules: stpaul.gov → DSI Permits.

Edina

• Permit required.
• Max: 6 ft rear/side, 4 ft front.
• Fence cannot exceed property line.
• HOA covenants common — check first.

Eden Prairie

• Permit required.
• Max: 6 ft rear/side, 4 ft front.
• Many subdivisions restrict fence types via HOA.

Plymouth

• Permit required.
• Max: 6 ft rear/side, 3.5 ft front.
• Survey often required.

Minnetonka

• Permit required.
• Max: 6 ft rear/side, 3.5 ft front.

Bloomington

• Permit required.
• Max: 6 ft rear/side, 4 ft front.

Maple Grove

• Permit required.
• Max: 6 ft rear/side, 3.5 ft front.

Woodbury

• Permit required.
• Max: 6 ft rear/side, 4 ft front.
• HOA approval required in most subdivisions.

Pool fence requirements (statewide)

Per MN State Building Code:

• 4 ft minimum height
• Vertical members no more than 4 inches apart
• Self-closing, self-latching gate
• Latch on inside, 54+ inches above ground
• Required around any pool 24+ inches deep

What we handle

A real fence quote should include:

1. Permit application (we file on your behalf in most cities).
2. 811 Gopher State One Call locate request.
3. Survey verification or recommendation.
4. HOA approval coordination (if applicable).
5. Build to permit-approved specs.
6. Inspection coordination.

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Request a free fence quote — we research your city's rules upfront.