General regulations

• Fences of more than 30 inches in height require a building permit.
• The city of Mankato does not provide surveying services. The property owner is responsible for locating property lines.
• Fences may be built up to, but not on, the property line and must be located entirely on the property of the person or firm constructing it. Fences may be constructed within an easement, though future work within the easement may result in the removal of the fence. Fences are not allowed in some types of restricted easements, such as those dedicated for landscape, berms, sidewalks, trails or access.
• The finished side of the fence shall face neighboring properties or the street. The finished side is described as the side of the fence without exposed supports or posts.
• Fences, walls or hedges shall not encroach on any public right-of-way.

Residential and commercial regulations

• Approved residential and commercial fencing materials include: stone, brick, finished wood and chain link.
• Fences, walls and shrubbery shall not exceed 30 inches within a corner lot sight triangle.
• Fences shall not exceed four feet in front yards, eight feet in side yards and eight feet in rear yards.

Industrial regulations

• Approved industrial fencing materials include stone, brick, finished wood, chain link and barbed wire security fencing when used above a height of six and a half feet.
• Fences, walls and shrubbery shall not exceed 30 inches within a corner lot sight triangle.
• Security fences shall not exceed eight feet in front yards.
• All other fences shall not exceed four feet in front yards, eight feet in side yards and eight feet in rear yards.

For more information contact community development staff at 507-387-8599.