All fences in Saint Paul must be on the owner's property and kept in good repair. Sec. 60.209 sets zoning rules, historic district guidelines, and corner-lot visibility standards.
Saint Paul's general fence requirements under Sec. 60.209 establish baseline rules for all fence installations. Every fence must be located entirely on the applicant's property, and it is the property owner's responsibility to verify property lines before construction, often by obtaining a survey. Fences must be maintained in a structurally sound condition and may not lean, sag, or present a hazard. In residential zoning districts, all fences are subject to the 4-foot front-yard and 7-foot side/rear-yard height limits. On corner lots, the sight-triangle restriction applies. Properties in designated historic districts must obtain Heritage Preservation Commission approval before any fence installation. Fences along public right-of-way or easements may face additional restrictions. The finished or decorative side of the fence should generally face outward toward neighboring properties, though this is a best practice rather than a code mandate in Saint Paul.
Fences in disrepair, improperly located on neighboring property, or blocking sight triangles may trigger a code compliance notice from DSI. Property owners typically receive 30 days to correct the violation before administrative citations are issued.
See how Saint Paul's fence requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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