Know the rules about
fences in your town
As you think about building a fence, think of the rules you need to follow for where, how, of what and how high you can build.
If you work with an area fence-building company, you are probably working with people who know the local ordinances, but always ask about town and city rules before you put up your fence. If you don't follow the rules, town and city officials can insist you tear down the fence.
"It seems like we get a call, one a day," said Kirk Abraham, city engineer for Sauk Rapids. "The fence companies know the ordinance, too."
Here are the rules for St. Cloud, as provided by assistant planning director Gerald Hengel:
- No permit required.
- May be built up to the property line except along alleys, where they must be set back no less than 30 inches.
- Front fences may be no higher than 4 feet.
- Side and back fences may be no higher than 6 feet.
- If you live in the former St. Cloud Township and build a new fence, you will need to comply with these requirements. However, if you built a fence before the area was annexed into the city, you do not need to adjust the fence to meet these requirements.
These are the rules for Sauk Rapids, as provided by City Engineer Kirk Abraham:
- No permit required.
- May be built on the property line or 15 feet back from a roadway. "We ask that they keep them off of the utility easements," Abraham said.
- Side and rear fences may be 8 feet tall.
- Must be no less than 3 feet from alley.
These are the rules for Sartell, according to city ordinances:
- No permit required.
- Height is limited to 6 feet tall.
- Fences shall not be more than 75 percent opaque.
- Must be built within property lines.
These are the rules for Waite Park, according to village ordinances:
- Permit required.
- Front yard and alley fences may be no higher than 4 feet and may be no closer than 4 feet to the property line.
- Side fences may be within 2 feet of the property line and if within 2 to 4 feet no more than 4 feet tall.
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