Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.1600
Fences adjacent to property lines (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
Every fence hereafter erected within five (5) feet of a property line shall be erected in the following manner: Posts, supporting rails and other such supporting elements when located to one side of the wire mesh or other screening material shall be located on and face the fence owner's property. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 81.045; Ord. of 6-13-75, § 1)
Minneapolis Code § 244.1600 governs how fences must be built when they are placed within five feet of a property line. Specifically, the structural components of the fence — posts, rails, and similar supports — must face inward toward the property of the person who owns the fence, not outward toward a neighbor's property. This rule applies to any fence erected after the ordinance took effect.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Minneapolis Code § 244.1600, property owners who install a fence within five feet of a property line generally ensure that all structural support elements, such as posts and rails, are oriented to face their own property. Compliant operators typically review fence placement and orientation before construction begins to confirm the finished side faces outward toward neighboring properties. Keeping documentation of fence placement and contractor instructions can help demonstrate adherence to this requirement.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minneapolis Code § 244.1600 establishes a clear standard for how fences near property lines must be constructed, which can be relevant when a fence on or near your rental property may have been built incorrectly. If a fence's posts or rails face outward toward a neighboring property rather than inward toward the fence owner's side, that may represent a code violation. Tenants who believe this provision is being violated can contact the City of Minneapolis's code enforcement office or consult a tenant-rights organization to understand what options may be available.
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.