7 rules for unincorporated Dakota County, Minnesota.
Verified from official government sources
Dakota County MN has no countywide fence-height ordinance. Each city sets its own limits under Minn. Stat. 462.357. Typical suburban rule: about 6 feet in rear/side yards and 3.5 to 4 feet in front yards.
Minn. Stat. 462.357, subd. 1
A municipality may by ordinance regulate on the earth's surface, in the air space above the surface, and in subsurface areas, the location, height, width, bulk, type of foundation, number of stories, size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot which may be occupied, the size of yards and other open spaces.
Dakota County does not issue fence permits for incorporated cities. Most Dakota County cities require a zoning or building permit before you build a fence; tall fences generally trigger a building permit. Rules vary by city.
There is no Dakota County boundary-fence ordinance. Cities require fences to be built entirely on the owner's land, though a fence may sit on the shared line if the adjoining owner agrees in writing. Disputes are civil matters.
Dakota County sets no retaining-wall rule for cities. A common Dakota County city standard requires a building permit for any retaining wall taller than 4 feet or that supports a surcharge. Engineered plans are often required.
City of Apple Valley — Retaining Wall permit standard
A building permit is required for any wall that exceeds four (4) feet in height (from bottom of footing to top of wall) or that supports a surcharge or any Class I, II, or IIIA liquids, regardless of height, unless determined otherwise by the City.
Dakota County has no fence-construction standards; cities set them. Common requirements include keeping fences out of corner sight triangles, mounting the finished side outward, and building front-yard fences with open construction for visibility and drainage.
Dakota County does not restrict fence materials. Cities may prohibit certain materials such as barbed wire, electric fencing, or temporary snow/construction fencing in residential zones, and may require durable, maintained materials. Rules vary by city and zoning district.
There is no Dakota County list of approved fence materials. Cities decide which materials are allowed, commonly permitting wood, vinyl, chain-link, and ornamental metal in residential zones while restricting barbed wire and electric fencing.
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