Fence Regulations in Washington County, MN (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Washington County, Minnesota.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Washington County caps fence height inside its Shoreland and St. Croix River Overlay Districts. Solid walls over 4 feet are banned outright, fences on properties whose primary use is residential top out at 4 feet along a road right-of-way, and agricultural wire or wood-rail fences can run up to 6 feet.
Washington County Overlay District Fence Heights
Some RestrictionsWashington County Development Code, Chapter Two §§ 1.5(1), 1.5(2)(A)1, 1.5(2)(C)
1.5 Fences (1) Applicability. The following standards apply within the Shoreland Management Overlay District and the St. Croix River Management Overlay District. (2) Performance Standards. (A) Fences are permitted in accordance with the following regulations: 1. Solid walls in excess of four (4) feet above adjacent ground grades are prohibited. ... (C) Fences are permitted along a property line...
Fence Permit Requirements
Washington County requires a Certificate of Compliance before any fence goes up on a lake or river frontage lot in its Shoreland or St. Croix River Overlay District. The same section caps those waterfront fences at 6 feet, whether in the buildable area or the setback zone along side lot lines.
Washington County Waterfront Fence Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsWashington County Development Code, Chapter Two § 1.5(2)(B)1-3
(B) On properties located in the Shoreland Management Overlay District or St. Croix River Management Overlay District that have lake or river frontage, fences must comply with the following standards: 1. A Certificate of Compliance is required prior to the construction of any fence. 2. Within the non-buildable setback area, fences are allowed along the side lot lines, but shall not exceed six (...
Neighbor Fence Rules
Washington County lets property owners in its overlay districts build a fence right along the property line, but only if it does no physical damage to the neighboring property and shows its finished side outward. A survey may be required first if the boundary isn't clearly marked.
Washington County Boundary Fence Placement Rules
Light RestrictionsWashington County Development Code, Chapter Two § 1.5(2)(A)2,5,6
(A) Fences are permitted in accordance with the following regulations: ... 2. That side of the fence considered to be the face (finished side as opposed to the structural supports) shall face the abutting property. 3. Construction of fences on public right-of-way is prohibited. 4. Fences shall not impede vision of the roadway from a driveway providing access to the road. 5. Where a property lin...
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