Lakeville, MN Fence Regulations: Fence Requirements (2026)

Section 11-21-5 sets the core requirements for fences in Lakeville. Every fence must be of substantial construction using material reasonably suited for its intended purpose, and must be maintained in a condition of reasonable repair — it cannot be allowed to fall into disrepair, become dangerous, or constitute a public or private nuisance. The finished side (the 'face' with no structural supports showing) must face the abutting property or street right-of-way. Height and openness depend on location: front-yard fences are limited to four feet (4') and must be at least 75% open; other yards generally allow up to six feet (6'); and rear yards allow up to eight feet (8') with the required 10-foot rear and 5-foot side setbacks. On corner lots, fences must respect the traffic sight visibility triangle in Section 11-16-15, keeping views unobstructed above three feet within the triangle measured 45 feet along each curb line from the intersection. A zoning permit is required for fences under 7 feet in a front yard or on a property line; a building permit is required for fences 7 feet or taller. The owner and adjoining owners must agree on the fence's location. Security fences, where allowed, must have no barbed ends at the top. Any dangerous fence is a public nuisance subject to abatement by the Zoning Administrator.