Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.1590
Fences and retaining walls (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
Every fence and retaining wall on or adjacent to residential property shall be kept well mended and in good repair, consistent with the design thereof. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 81.040; 78-Or-244, § 56, 11-22-78) Cross reference-- Hazardous fences, § 385.20 .
Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 244.1590 establishes that every fence and retaining wall located on or next to residential property must be maintained in good repair and kept consistent with its original design. The rule applies broadly to any such structure, regardless of material or style. Deterioration, damage, or structural failure that leaves a fence or retaining wall in disrepair constitutes a violation of this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.1590, property owners and managers are generally expected to conduct routine inspections of all fences and retaining walls on or adjacent to their residential properties and to address damage, rot, leaning, or missing sections promptly. Compliant operators typically document the original design of these structures so that repairs match the intended construction. Fences or retaining walls that pose a hazard may also implicate the cross-referenced provision at § 385.20, which addresses hazardous fences specifically.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 244.1590 means that tenants living on or near residential property have an interest in fences and retaining walls being kept in good repair by those responsible for the property. If a fence or retaining wall appears deteriorated or unsafe, tenants can generally report the condition to Minneapolis code enforcement for inspection. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also help residents understand how maintenance obligations under this provision may relate to broader habitability or safety concerns.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.