Maple Grove, MN Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Material rules appear in Sec. 36-816 of the Maple Grove Zoning Ordinance. Barbed wire is tightly limited: "Barbed wire fences shall only be permitted on farms," except that in business and industrial districts a security fence may carry barbed-wire arms no longer than 36 inches, mounted 7 to 8 feet above the ground (Sec. 36-816(b)(5) and (d)(2)). Electric fences are permitted "only in the R-A district when related to farming and on farms in other districts when related to farming, but not as boundary fences" (Sec. 36-816(b)(4)). Chain-link ("link") fences, wherever permitted, must be constructed so no barbed ends are at the top, and chain-link is specifically excluded from the definition of allowed front-yard decorative fencing - only split rail, picket, and brick qualify there (Sec. 36-816(c)(2)a). In the shoreland district, fences within the 75-foot lakeshore setback must maintain see-through visibility equal to chain-link and "all fence materials must be treated so as to blend with the natural surroundings," i.e., brown or green in color (Sec. 36-816(f)). Notably, in business/industrial front yards the ordinance requires chain-link construction for maximum visibility (Sec. 36-816(d)(3)). The city handouts also note no building permit is required up to 7 feet, but these material limits apply regardless of height.