Minneapolis, MN Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed/electric wire
- banned in residential areas
- Also banned
- chicken wire, slatted chain link
- Also banned
- railroad ties, landscape timbers, utility poles
- Barbed wire exception
- production districts only, 6.5 ft+
- Governing section
- Zoning Code § 550.1560
Summary
Minneapolis bans electrically charged wire, razor wire, chicken wire, slatted chain link, rope, cable, railroad ties, landscape timbers and utility poles from fences.
Fences shall not be constructed of electrically charged wire, razor wire, chain link with slats, chicken wire, rope, cable, railroad ties, landscape timbers, utility poles or any other similar materials or materials not specifically manufactured for permanent fencing. The cut or selvage end of wire or metal fencing materials may not be exposed at the top of a fence if the height of the fence is less than six and one-half (6½) feet. Barbed wire may be permitted at the top of a fence if the height of the barbed wire is not less than six and one-half (6½) feet and the fence is located in a production district not less than one hundred (100) feet from an urban neighborhood or residential mixed-use district.(3)Posts and supporting members. All fence posts and related supporting members of the fence shall be erected so that the finished side or sides of the fence shall be facing the adjacent property or public right-of-way.(4)Snow fences. Institutional and civic uses may erect snow fences exclusively for control of snow between November 1 and April 15.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Zoning Code § 550.1560(2) requires fences be built of wood, metal, brick, masonry or other permanent fencing material, and bars electrically charged wire, razor wire, chain link with slats, chicken wire, rope, cable, railroad ties, landscape timbers and utility poles. Exposed cut or selvage wire ends are banned on fences under six and one-half feet tall. Barbed wire is allowed only atop a fence at least six and one-half feet high, and only in a production district at least 100 feet from an urban neighborhood or residential mixed-use district.
Violations & Fines
A fence that violates the design standards is a zoning code violation; the zoning administrator can order it removed or brought into compliance, with the property owner responsible for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put barbed wire on my backyard fence in Minneapolis?
Is chain-link fencing legal in Minneapolis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota fence regulations overview
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