Saint Paul, MN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Sec. 60.209
- Property Placement
- Must be entirely on owner's land
- Maintenance
- Must be structurally sound
- Historic Districts
- HPC approval required
Summary
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.
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.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a survey before building a fence in Saint Paul?
Does the finished side of my fence have to face my neighbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
How Saint Paul compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Saint Paul to another location·View the Minnesota fence regulations overview
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