Fences

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Typically, fence installations, alterations, or repairs do not require a permit. A permit is required before installation for the following situations:

A fence seven feet in height or taller.
A fence within the floodplain.
A fence within a shore area that is not more than 10 feet inland from the ordinary high-water level (OHWL).

Code requirements apply even if a permit is not required.

Height Requirements

Fence height allowances depend on the lot type. Use the graphic below to determine what each type of lot is classified as:

This graphic depicts three lot types found in the City of Bloomington, a through lot which has street frontage on its front and rear sides, an interior lot which only contains one street frontage on the front side, and a corner lot which contains two street frontages on the front and side.

The graphic below shows the height allowance for fences on corner lots and interior lots:

This [DP2.1]graphic depicts fence height allowances for corner lots and interior lots. On corner lots, a fence may rise to four feet in the front yard and the side yard of the home, a fence may rise to six feet in the rear yard and the side yard behind the rear plane of the home. On interior lots, a fence may rise to four feet in the front yard and six feet in the side and rear yards of the home.

The graphic shows the height allowance for fences on corner lots and interior lots.

The graphic below depicts how fence height is measured:

This graphic depicts how fence height is measured. Fence height is determined by the body of the fence, which is from the top of the gap to grade to the bottom of the post.

Fence Construction and Maintenance

Fence Materials:

Fences can be constructed from the listed approved materials:

Wood
- Wood fences must be constructed of cedar, redwood, or other decay resistant wood.
Metal.
- Chain link fencing of less than 12 gauge in diameter is prohibited (for example, where 13 gauge is finer and not permitted, and 11 gauge is thicker and permitted).
Bricks
Masonry
Plastic
Or other materials designed for permanent outdoor fencing.

Barbed wire is permitted only on top of fences in nonresidential districts, a minimum of six feet above the natural grade. Electric fencing or barbed wire is permitted for prescribed grazing as set forth in § 14.99(m).

Prohibited Fence Materials:

Fences must be constructed from the listed materials:

Razor wire
Snow fencing
Plywood
Or materials originally intended for other purposes.

Fence Screening Materials:

Any screening material placed upon a chain link fence must be a commercially-built product manufactured specifically for use on fencing. Fence screening material must be securely fastened or attached to the fence itself. Slat devices inserted into a chain link fence do not satisfy screening requirements specified in § 21.301.15(d). The finished side of the fence covering must face outward from the subject property.

Fence Material Limitation Exemptions:

The following fences are exempt from material limitations:

Temporary fences made of chicken wire are permitted for garden and farm poultry enclosure uses only; and
Temporary fence wrap made of material designed to withstand wind loads is permitted for temporary construction or excavation fences pursuant to subsection (l) below.

Fence Installation:

All fence elements must be permanently installed and constructed in a workmanlike manner to secure the fence in a vertically level position. Fences must be installed so that posts and lateral supports are not on the side of the fence facing an adjacent property or public right-of-way, unless exposed on both sides.

Maintenance:

All fences must be kept in good repair and appearance on both sides of the fence by its owner. Peeling, flaking and chipped coating must be eliminated and surfaces recoated. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the area between the property line and the owner's fence. If you have concerns about the condition of a fence, please call Environmental Health at (952) 563-8934 or email them at envhealth@bloomingtonmn.gov.

Restrictions

Ownership:

All fences, including fence footings, must be located entirely on the fence owner's property. Property irons or as-built surveys are ways to find the property's dimensions. Please contact a surveyor to determine the location of property lines.

Public Easements:

Fences may not be placed on or extend into a public easement where public improvements are located without approval of an encroachment agreement by the Director of Public Works or designee along with proof that the agreement has been filed with the records for the property in the Office of the Hennepin County Recorder or Registrar of Titles. Contact Public Works at (952) 563-4581 for additional information.

Clear View Triangle:

Fences of any style or material placed on corner lots must maintain a clear view triangle for visibility at the intersection of two streets or at the intersection of an alley and a street (see City Code Section 17.31).

Fences of any style or material must maintain a clear view triangle from the property line, not including alleys, for visibility from driveways on the lot or on an adjacent lot. The clear view triangle area for a driveway is formed on each side of the driveway by measuring a distance of 15 feet along the front property line and 15 feet along the driveway edge. See City Code Section 21.301.08(f)(3).

Fences must be placed entirely on the fence owner's property, while maintaining the clear view triangle, unless otherwise approved.

Diagram labeled "Clear view triangle at intersection and driveway" showing property lines along streets, a street intersection, and a street and driveway intersection. Shaded triangular areas extend 15 feet along each street or driveway edge from the corners, indicating the required clear view triangles where fences or obstructions may not block visibility.

Public Sidewalks:

In addition to clear view triangle requirements, when the property line is adjacent to a public sidewalk, fences must be set back a minimum of two feet from the sidewalk.

Fire Hydrants and Utilities:

A three foot radius around fire hydrants, fire hose connections and utility boxes must be kept free of any fencing that could impede use of the hydrant, hose connection or utility box.

Fences in Floodways:

Fences are not permitted in floodway areas as designated on FEMA's flood boundary and floodway map. A fence must not adversely affect drainage or create debris build-up.

Swimming Pool Enclosures

Fences

Community Development