Minneapolis does not require a permit for standard residential fences under 6 feet 6 inches. Pool-barrier fences, taller fences, and historic district fences all need permits or HPC review before installation.
Minneapolis Code Chapter 89 (Building Code Administration) exempts ordinary residential fences 6 feet 6 inches or shorter from the building permit requirement, consistent with Minnesota State Building Code section R105.2. Even without a permit, owners must still comply with Zoning Chapter 535 height and location rules and must place the fence entirely on their own property. Permits are mandatory for fences that form part of a required swimming-pool enclosure, retaining walls over 4 feet, any fence in a locally designated historic district (which needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Heritage Preservation Commission), and commercial or industrial fences over 6 feet. Utility easements must be respected, and Gopher State One Call at 811 must be notified at least 48 hours before digging post holes. Property line surveys are strongly recommended because Minneapolis enforcement generally does not resolve civil boundary disputes; encroaching fences may be ordered removed under Chapter 249 nuisance authority.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Minneapolis code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Polit...
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis has no specific City ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The principal restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants u...
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA and condo covena...
Minneapolis, MN
Outdoor kitchens in Minneapolis require separate trade permits from Construction Code Services: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit fo...
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis has no specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills at single-family homes. Multi-unit balcony smokers face the same...
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis enforces the Minnesota State Fire Code (Minn. Rules Ch. 7511), which adopts the International Fire Code. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cookin...
See how Minneapolis's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.