Olmsted County, MN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Olmsted County's Chapter 1400 Zoning Ordinance is the controlling document for fence regulation in unincorporated areas the county directly administers, and for the four townships under cooperative planning with the county (Eyota, Marion, Oronoco, Quincy). The ordinance treats fences as accessory structures: residential fences are typically capped at 6 feet in side and rear yards, with shorter limits in front yards and within sight-distance triangles at corner lots and driveway approaches to maintain traffic visibility. Fences may be placed on the lot line provided the owner can maintain both sides; placement within drainage, utility, or road easements is prohibited. Building setbacks along county, state, and federal roads are 95 feet from the road centerline; township roads use 78 feet from centerline - these setbacks govern accessory structures and screening fences along rights-of-way. There is no statewide Minnesota fence-height cap; counties operate under Minn. Stat. Ch. 394 (county zoning authority). The remaining 14 townships in Olmsted County administer their own zoning under township authority, and the eight cities (Rochester, Stewartville, Byron, Pine Island, Chatfield, Dover, Eyota, Oronoco) each apply their own zoning code within municipal limits, which generally supersedes county rules. Always confirm the regulating authority for a specific parcel with the Olmsted County Planning Department before building.