Saint Paul, MN Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit Fee
- $45 for first 200 lineal feet
- Additional Footage
- $15 per additional 100 lineal feet
- Variance Fee
- $85 nonrefundable
- Inspections Required
- Over 7 ft, pool fences, barbed wire
Summary
All fences in Saint Paul require a plan review and permit from DSI. The base fee is $45 for the first 200 lineal feet. Inspections are required for fences over 7 feet, pool fences, and barbed wire.
Building a Fence in Saint Paul What is required? A completed Fence Plan Review/Permit Application Form A survey or Basic Site Plan showing the proposed location of your fence Fee ($45 for the first 200 lineal feet or fraction thereof and $15 for each additional 100 lineal feet or fraction thereof) A variance to height or corner condition may be requested. See information under "What are the height limitations?" Once your application has been submitted a Plan Examiner will review your plan for compliance with location and height requirements. Upon approval, you may install your fence. A fence inspection is not required, except in these cases: fences greater than seven feet tall, swimming pool fences, or barbed wire fences. What forms will I need? You can choose from the following permit applications in PAULIE:
Commercial Fence Over 7 Feet High Permit for contractors Commercial Fence 7 Feet and Under Permit for contractors Pool Fence for Contractors Residential Fence Over 7 Feet High Permit for contractors Residential Fence 7 Feet and Under Permit for contractors Fence Variance for contractors Residential Fence Over 7 Feet High Permit for homeowners Residential Fence 7 Feet and Under Permit for homeowners Pool Fence for Homeowners Fence Variance for Homeowners
Full Breakdown
Saint Paul requires a fence plan review and permit for all fence installations. The permit fee is $45 for the first 200 lineal feet or fraction thereof, plus $15 for each additional 100 lineal feet. While all fences need a permit, on-site inspections are only mandatory for fences over 7 feet tall, swimming pool barrier fences, and barbed wire fences. Property owners must submit a site plan showing the proposed fence location, height, and materials. The fence must be located entirely on the applicant's property. In designated historic districts, a separate Design Review approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission is required before the fence plan review can be approved. Variance requests for fences that do not meet standard code requirements carry a nonrefundable $85 application fee.
Violations & Fines
Installing a fence without the required permit may result in a stop-work order, a requirement to obtain the permit retroactively with potential double fees, or an order to remove the fence. Code violations are enforced by the Department of Safety and Inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a fence in Saint Paul?
Do I need an inspection after installing my fence?
Are there extra steps in historic districts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
Compare Saint Paul to another location·View the Minnesota fence regulations overview
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