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Do You Need A Permit To Build A Fence

Do You Need A Permit To Build A Fence

There’s a lot to consider when looking to start a project like building a new fence. You’ve probably heard about calling before you dig, or you might know that your local HOA requires specific fencing types for your neighborhood, but what about permits? Do you need a permit to build a fence?

We’ve been in the industry for over 15 years here at Northland Fence, so we’ve heard just about every question there is when it comes to fencing. Questions about permits are incredibly common. That’s why we decided to dedicate today’s blog to fencing permits, when you need them, and how you can get them.

When Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence?

When it comes to adding things onto your property, there are times when you will need a permit in order to do so. What about fencing, though? How often do you need to get a permit before you start a new fencing project?

Fencing regulations are defined by the city or county that you live in, so they will vary from location to location. Let’s take a look at a few cities here in Minnesota to get an idea of when you might need to get a permit to build a fence.

  • Minneapolis - Usually, residential fences in Minneapolis don’t need a permit. If you are wanting to build a fence over 7 feet tall, however, you will need not only a permit but also an inspection and construction plan review.
  • St. Paul - If your fence is under 7 feet tall, which is St. Paul’s maximum height allowed in residential districts, you won’t need a permit. You will still need to complete a fence plan review prior to the start of construction. This is so they can confirm that your plans are up to code.
  • Brooklyn Park - If you live in Brooklyn Park, you’re required to get a fence permit before you install your fencing. This costs $26 for the application fee and you must wait for approval before construction begins.
  • Maple Grove - For any fencing projects that are 4 to 7 feet in height, you must acquire an Exterior Work Site Permit from the city. If you have plans to build a fence or retaining wall over 7 feet tall, you will instead need a Building Permit.

As you can see, whether or not you need a permit can vary quite a bit from place to place.

What Is the Process for Getting a Fence Permit?

Many municipalities have their own websites where you can check on the specifics regarding permits and application processes. If you’re uncertain, you could also call or email the branch of your local government that’s in charge of zoning and permits in your area. 

In this day and age, many cities and counties have a way for you to apply for a permit online. If not, mailing your application is also a common option. Be aware that your permit application might require more than just some basic information. Sometimes a city might require a fence plan, construction plan, or even an inspection in addition to the permit application.

How Can I Find My State Laws and Codes for Installing Fencing?

Finding the information you need about permit requirements isn’t always easy. While many cities might have a specific section for permits on their government website, others might have them buried behind links or PDFs. So is there an easy way to determine the laws and codes for your municipality?

Lucky for you, we’re not new to this industry. We’ve been installing fences in Minnesota for over 15 years, so we know a thing or two about the laws and permits around Minnesota. We decided to use this knowledge and make it easier for you to understand your options, too. On our website, we offer a handy resource listing many of Minnesota’s city codes and regulations for installing fencing. Let our years of experience in the field help you make this process easier.

Where Can You Get a Fence Permit?

If you’ve found your city’s rules and regulations and realized you need a permit, you might wonder where to get it. If you found the information through your city’s website, there might be a listing right there for either an online application or a PDF you can print and fill out. If you’re having trouble locating it, you could also give them a call.

Sometimes there will be application fees involved. Other times you might need to provide additional information regarding the specifics of your installation project before you get approval. Don’t forget that you need to wait for the approval of your permit before you start any sort of construction. If you don’t, you could be fined.

Is The Homeowner or Contractor Responsible for Acquiring a Fence Permit?

If you’re thinking about tackling a fencing project on your own, you will be responsible for acquiring the permits you need in order to start installing your fence. If you decide to go through a company like Northland Fence, you won’t have to worry about anything.

We believe in being transparent with our customers and ensuring that they understand what’s going on with their fencing project. We’re always upfront about all of the costs and requirements so you can make informed decisions and be happy with your fencing plans. We want to see you get the fence installation of your dreams. 

Getting Northland Fence To Install Your Fence

Installing your fence on your own can be an undertaking. Not only does it involve getting the right materials and making sure you have the right tools, but also getting the right permits and other requirements to ensure your fencing is done correctly the first time. All of this together can be time-consuming, and there are more important things you could be doing. Choosing Northland Fence means making sure it gets done right the first time so you can get back to your life.

If you choose us, you’re choosing a company that believes in treating its employees just as well as its customers. All of our employees are in-house, we never hire out to build your fence. We even pay our employees during the off-season. This translates to employees who are all on the same page when it comes to our standards, as well as employees who want to see your job done right. They might even be the ones to come out for repairs if something were to happen.

All of our fencing installations come with two warranty types – a material warranty and a labor warranty. Our labor warranty is always 10 years, meaning if something happens within those 10 years, you don’t have to pay the cost of labor for the repairs. Our ornamental steel and chainlink fencing both have 15-year material warranties, while our vinyl fencing has a lifetime warranty for the material. We believe in choosing only the best when it comes to the options for your fencing installation. We want to build you a fence that lasts for years to come.

Residential Fence Installation

If you’re looking to get started on building the fence of your dreams, look no further. We have online tools to help you get started on this process, from fencing estimates to fence planning tools. You’re also welcome to call us at any time at (763) 316-4881 and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you.

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FAQs - Do You Need A Permit To Build A Fence

Does the type of fence determine if a permit is needed?

Normally the material of the fence won’t impact if you need a permit, but the height of it will.

When are you most likely to need a permit for your fence?

While permit requirements vary from city to city, generally if your fence is going to be over 7 feet tall you will need a permit.

Do you need to include your neighbor in the permit when building your fence?

If you plan on building on your property line, then yes, as this can overlap with their property line too. 

Get a Free Quote

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful, maintenance-free vinyl privacy fence, a sturdy chain link fence, or a ornamental fence, we’re ready to show you why we’re Minnesota’s highest and best rated fence company.

Use this form to request a free estimate or call us at 763-325-8211.

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We Install Fencing In The Following Communities:

Northland Fence of Ramsey

6390 McKinley St NW, Suite 150
Ramsey, MN 55303

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Tuesday: 9 AM–5 PM
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Thursday: 9 AM–5 PM
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