Duluth, MN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard
- 4 ft max (6 ft ornamental with permit)
- Residential side/rear
- 8 ft max
- Mixed-use side/rear
- 8 ft, up to 12 ft with approval
- Subdivision entry gates
- 8 ft max
- Vacant lots
- 6 ft chain-link allowed to stop dumping
- Permit trigger
- any fence over 4 ft needs a zoning permit
Summary
In the City of Duluth, a fence between the house and the front property line can't top four feet, or six feet if it's an ornamental material like wrought iron that's at least 50 percent open with an approved zoning permit. Side and rear yards in residential districts allow fences up to eight feet under § 50-26.4(A).
(a) No fence or wall located between the principal structure on a lot and the front property line shall exceed four feet in height. If a fence is constructed with an ornamental material, such as wrought iron, a six foot high fence may be allowed with an approved zoning permit provided that the fence is at least 50 percent open or transparent; ... ... 3. Residential zone districts. The maximum height of a fence or wall within required side and rear yard area is eight feet. The maximum height for fences and walls for entry gates at the residential subdivision entrance shall be eight feet; 4. Mixed use and special purpose zone districts. The maximum height of a fence or wall within required side and rear yard area is eight feet, but the land use supervisor may approve a fence or wall up to 12 feet in height where additional height is needed to provide adequate security because of topography or the nature of the material or equipment stored in the area;
Full Breakdown
4(A) sets Duluth's fence height standards by yard and district. In any front yard, the section between the principal structure and the front property line, a fence or wall can't exceed four feet, though an ornamental fence such as wrought iron can reach six feet with an approved zoning permit if it stays at least 50 percent open or transparent. Residential zone districts allow fences and walls up to eight feet in required side and rear yards, and entry gates at a residential subdivision entrance can also reach eight feet.
Mixed-use and special-purpose districts share that eight-foot base for side and rear yards, but the land use supervisor may approve up to 12 feet where extra height is needed for security tied to topography or the nature of stored materials or equipment. Form districts follow the same eight-to-12-foot side and rear standard, but generally bar fences and walls in required front yards altogether, except a three-foot wrought iron fence enclosing an outdoor patio or dining area. 4(A)(6) makes clear that exception can't be used to justify outdoor storage on the lot.
Violations & Fines
Building or maintaining a fence over its district's height limit violates the Unified Development Chapter. Under § 50-39.4, the property owner is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined under City Code § 1-7, up to $1,000, or under the administrative schedule in § 12-6, with each day the oversized fence stands a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front yard fence be in Duluth?
What's the tallest fence allowed in my backyard?
Do I need a permit for a backyard fence in Duluth?
Can I fence a vacant lot to stop illegal dumping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Duluth
How Duluth compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Duluth to another location·View the Minnesota fence regulations overview
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