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Fence Regulations

Bloomington's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Bloomington, Minnesota, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Height Limits

Bloomington City Code §21.301.08 limits fences to 4 ft in front setbacks, 6 ft on side/rear lots, and up to 8 ft where residential abuts nonresidential use. No building permit required for fences 7 ft or under. Height measured including fence body plus max 6 inches above natural grade. Posts may extend 12 inches above fence body.

Key details: Front Setback: 4 ft maximum. Side/Rear: 6 ft maximum. Abutting Non-Residential: 8 ft maximum. City Code: §21.301.08.

Code compliance notice. Modify or remove non-compliant fence. Fines if not corrected.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Minnesota's partition-fence law, Minn. Stat. Ch. 344, splits line-fence costs between adjoining owners — but only where both properties keep livestock. On residential lots in Bloomington, no statute forces cost-sharing, so each owner handles their own fence. MN Stat. §561.02 prohibits spite fences.

Key details: Cost Sharing: Ch. 344 — livestock land only. Residential Lots: No forced cost-sharing. Spite Fences: Prohibited (MN §561.02). Written Agreement: Recommended.

Residential cost-sharing is a civil matter — no city enforcement. On qualifying livestock land, fence viewers apportion costs under Ch. 344. Spite fences: civil nuisance action. Encroachments: survey and civil remedy.

The Bottom Line

Bloomington's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bloomington is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Bloomington's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.