Saint Paul, MN Fence Regulations: Fence Requirements (2026)

Where can the fence be located? The City of Saint Paul encourages you to discuss your fence with your neighbors before installation to help avoid a costly property line dispute. Your fence and all supporting structures must be located entirely inside your property line. The fence cannot be on the property line, on a neighbor's property or on public property (boulevard, right of way, sidewalk area, etc.). It is your responsibility to know where your property line is, so make sure you have the property markers located before you install your fence. You may wish to hire a professional surveyor to identify your property lines, although it is not required for fences less than seven feet tall. What are the height limitations? Front Yard Fences in the front yard shall be no more than four feet tall. Side and Rear Yard Fences in the side or rear yards shall be no more than seven feet tall. Corner lots On a corner lot at two intersecting streets, fences shall be no more than two feet tall in the triangular area of the lot, 10 feet from the corner, unless the fence is more than 80% open (chain link). A variance may be granted for fences that exceed height requirements. A nonrefundable variance application fee of $85 is required for each variance request.