PERMITS
A fence permit should be completed before a fence is installed. The fee is $20.00 for the fence permit, and if agreements are recorded, other charges will apply.

LOT LINE QUESTIONS
Often property owners know where lot lines are. If you are unsure of your lot lines, it may be necessary for you to obtain a survey from a registered land surveyor. A site plan is required showing all lot lines along with the location of buildings and other structures on your lot and where you propose to place a fence. The site plan is to be submitted with your application.

PLACING FENCE ON PROPERTY LINES (Agreements with Adjoining Property Owners) OR MEETING SETBACKS
Certain setbacks from property lines are required for installing fences and hedges. The minimum setback for fences is two feet from property lines. Exceptions to this rule will apply if a written agreement is entered into between you and the adjoining property owners. The written agreement is on a prescribed form available when you pick up application materials. It is called the “Fence Installation and Maintenance Agreement.” The forms must be signed by all owners of property line boundaries.

The agreement covers items such as responsibility for installation, routine maintenance, and damage to the fence, and removal. This agreement protects you and your neighbors if property is sold since it is recorded at the Wright County Recorder’s Office. The recording fee is $46.00 and an additional fee of $15.00 for the city to type up the neighbor agreement.

If the fence is placed within a drainage or utility easement a “Fence Installation and Easement Agreement” is required. Typically properties have boundary easements of five or ten feet. If you decide you want to place a fence in the easement area, there is a slight risk of the fence being removed for utility easement maintenance purposes. From time to time an easement may be entered upon by utility workers, and property owners will be responsible for moving a fence that may be installed over an easement. This agreement requires $46.00 for the recording fee and an additional fee of $15.00 for the city to type up the city easement agreement.

FENCE MATERIAL, HEIGHT AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS
Fences placed in rear yards and side yards may be solid, while fences within the front 30 feet of yards must be open weaved (75% open, chain link, for example). The height maximum for rear yards and side yards is six feet and fences placed in the front yard must be no higher than 42 inches. Split rail fences may be placed in front and rear yards but should not exceed the height maximums allowed. A rear lot line fence may be higher than six feet, and can be as high as 8 feet, but only if the fence is set 10 feet back from the rear property line.