Fence Permits in Lakeville, Minnesota

Navigating Fence Permits in Lakeville, MN: A Guide by Fence Captain

Are you planning to upgrade your property with a brand-new fence? Adding a fence is a fantastic way to boost your home’s privacy, security, and curb appeal. However, before you start digging post holes, you must navigate the local rules and permit requirements. Building a fence without knowing the guidelines can lead to costly mistakes or having to tear down your new investment.

To keep your project on track, the Fence Captain team has broken down everything you need to know about navigating the zoning laws and building permits in Lakeville, Minnesota.

The First Step: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes. The City of Lakeville requires official approval for residential fences, but the exact type of permit depends entirely on the height of your project:

• Fences Under 7 Feet Tall: Require a Zoning Permit. You can easily apply for this online via the City of Lakeville Applications Portal.

• Fences 7 Feet Tall or Greater: Require a full Building Permit to ensure structural stability and compliance with stricter codes.

If you have questions about the application or need specific design assistance, you can contact the Lakeville Planning Department at 952-985-4420. Kris Jenson, the City's Planning Manager, and his dedicated team oversee local land use and zoning compliance to ensure your project aligns seamlessly with city standards.

Essential Local Rules and Regulations

To avoid local code violations, you must design and place your fence according to the Lakeville City Code. Here are the primary regulations to keep in mind:

1. Height Limits and Visibility

Your fence's allowable height changes based on where it is located on your lot:

• Front Yards: Fences cannot exceed 4 feet (48 inches) in height. They must also be at least 75% open for the passage of light and air (such as ornamental steel or chain link).

• Side and Rear Yards: Fences can be up to 6 feet tall. They can reach up to 8 feet tall only if they meet increased setbacks (10 feet from the rear line and 5 feet from the side lines).

• Corner Lots: Safety comes first. Fences near street intersections must remain completely unobstructed above a height of 3 feet within a 45-foot "visibility triangle" to ensure drivers can see oncoming traffic.

2. Property Lines and Setbacks

In Lakeville, your fence and its structural footings must be built entirely within your own property lines. For standard properties platted after January 1, 1994, fences must be setback at least 10 feet from front and rear property lines. If your lot was platted before 1994, a 0-foot setback may be allowed for rear and side properties, but you should verify your specific plat rules with the planning department first.

3. The "Good Neighbor" Rule

Lakeville requires that the finished, attractive side of the fence—the face that does not show the structural posts or support rails—must face outward toward your neighbors or the street.

4. Easements and Waterflow

You are permitted to run fences through utility or drainage easements, but they cannot block or impede natural water drainage. Keep in mind that if the city or a utility company ever needs to access that easement, your fence will be removed at your own expense.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Fence Installation

1. Locate Your Property Irons: You are responsible for proving where your property lines are. Before applying for a permit, grab a metal detector and locate your underground property pins. If you can't find them, Kris Jenson's department or the building official may require you to secure a professional property survey (one may be on file).

2. Call Gopher State One Call: Never dig blindly. At least two business days before your installation, you or your contractor must contact Gopher State One Call (811) to have underground utility lines marked.

3. Talk to Your Neighbors: While Lakeville doesn't legally require you to get your neighbor's signature for an interior fence, sharing your plans out of courtesy prevents neighborhood disputes. Additionally, if you plan to connect your new fence directly to an existing neighbor's fence, city code dictates you must secure their explicit permission first.

4. Hire a Certified Professional: Submitting precise surveys, determining setbacks, and handling municipal portals can feel overwhelming.

Ready to get started on your Lakeville fencing project? Let Fence Captain take the stress out of the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!