Frequently Asked Questions

Before installing a fence, constructing new buildings, or doing landscaping, it is important to know where your property ends and your neighbor's property begins. Existing fences or trees are not an accurate way to gauge where a property line is.

There are a few ways to find your property lines:

1) Locate Your Property Markers Using a Metal Detector

If the property has previously been surveyed, homeowners can use a metal detector to locate the iron monuments that were placed at each corner of the property by the surveyor. Stringing a line between corners establishes the property line. Specific instructions on how to locate property markers can be found here.

2) Hire a Licensed Professional Surveyor 

Licensed surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries. In addition to finding property markers, surveyors are able to replace property markers if they have moved from their correct position. For an additional charge, a licensed surveyor can create a certificate of survey for your property which is a detailed map of your property which the licensed surveyor has signed to attest to its accuracy. A certificate of survey is a legal document that can be useful if you are engaged in a property line dispute. Hiring a licensed surveyor is an easy and highly accurate way to determine where a property line is.  The Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors has a list of surveyors that work in Dakota County. You can access this list here. After opening the page, please select "Dakota" in the list of counties served to find surveyors that work in South St. Paul.

If there is a dispute about property lines, homeowners are advised to obtain a legal survey by hiring a professional surveyor. Unfortunately, the City is not able to help resolve property line disputes.

Yes, the City requires a fence permit for any new fence that is installed and for an existing fence that is being replaced. This permit ensures that any fence put up in South St. Paul meets the fence height, location, and material requirements found in Section 118-199 of the City Code.

Fence permit application can be found here: Fence Permit Application

Residents should be aware of the following fence requirements:

• Property lines must always be confirmed by the property owner prior to the installation of a fence. 
  • The City does not have service for finding your property pins. This can be done by the homeowner with the use of a metal detector. If you are unable to find your property pins, you will need to obtain a notarized consent form that is signed by your neighbors stating that they are ok with where you are placing your fence or have a survey of your property done.
• Fence Height Maximums
  • Front Yard
    • Fences made of wood or another approved material that is not 50% see-through- 3.5 feet maximum height.
    • Fences made of chain link, picket, wrought iron or another approved material that is 50% see-through - 4 feet maximum height.
  • Rear Yard
    • Rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet in height regardless of the material.
• Corner lots may have additional fence height restrictions. Please contact the Community Development Department  (651-554-3270) with questions about corner lots.
• Corner lot properties cannot place a fence within the visibility triangle area.  This applies to corner lots that abut an intersection or an alley that goes onto the main road. Please contact the Community Development Department (651-554-3270) with questions about visibility triangles.