Backyard Fence Planning can seem like quite a task. Fortunately, for Residential and Commercial Properties in the North Metro (Blaine, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Maple Grove, Isanti, Ham Lake & East Bethel) Arrow Fence Co. knows how to make your New Fence Installation as easy as possible. We take a lot, if not all, of the burden of fence planning.
Backyard Fence Planning Made Easy MN North Metro
1. Know Your Property Lines (The “Golden Rule”)
Never assume your mower line or an old fence is the actual boundary.
- Locate your pins: Look for the iron stakes at the corners of your lot. You may need a metal detector to find them if they are buried.
- Get a Survey: If you can’t find your pins, hiring a surveyor is the only way to be 100% sure. It’s much cheaper than having to tear down and move a fence later because a neighbor complained.
2. Check Local Codes and HOAs
Every city in the North Metro has slightly different rules.
- Height Limits: Most cities allow up to 6 feet in the backyard and 3 or 4 feet in the front yard.
- The “Good Side” Rule: In many Minnesota municipalities, the “finished” or “pretty” side of the fence must face your neighbor, not your house.
- HOA Approval: If you live in a managed development (common in Maple Grove or Woodbury), you likely need written approval for your material and color choice before the first post is dug.
3. Call Before You Dig (Gopher State One Call)
In Minnesota, this is the law. Whether you are DIY-ing or hiring a pro, someone must contact Gopher State One Call.
- They will mark your underground utility lines (gas, electric, water).
- Note: They do not mark private lines, like the power line to your detached garage or your backyard sprinkler system. You’ll need to flag those yourself.
4. Choose Materials Based on Maintenance
Be honest about how much work you want to do in the future:
- Cedar: Beautiful and classic, but it will need staining every 2–3 years to keep its color and prevent rot.
- Vinyl: A “set it and forget it” option. It handles the Minnesota freeze-thaw cycle well and just needs a power wash once a year.
- Ornamental Aluminum: Great for curb appeal and durability; it won’t rust and provides security without blocking your view.
5. Account for the “Minnesota Frost Line”
This is the most technical part of planning. In the North Metro, your fence posts should ideally be set 36 to 42 inches deep.
- If the posts aren’t deep enough, the moisture in our clay soil will freeze, expand, and “heave” your posts right out of the ground, leaving you with a wavy fence by spring. Arrow Fence Co. uses a specialty machine called the Dingo for precision post hole digging.
6. Talk to Your Neighbors
It’s not legally required, but it’s a courtesy that prevents 90% of fencing disputes.
- Let them know the timeline.
- Discuss if you are splitting the cost (if the fence is directly on the line) or if you are keeping it slightly inside your property for full ownership.
When it comes to Fence Planning, Arrow Fence Co. will take the daunting tasks off your hands. From the initial Property Lines to working with Local Land Surveyors, Building Departments, Zoning Divisions and Property Management Companies we have you covered. And if that wasn’t enough, our company offers a 5 Year Warranty on all Fence Installation Jobs. With over 50 years in the business, we are your local, trusted Fence Installation Professionals in the North Metro MN. We hope this article helped prepare you for your journey towards a beautiful and functional new fence that is up to code and ready to stand up to any weather Mother Nature can dish out to Minnesota! Contact Arrow Fence Co. for a Free Fence Estimate at (763)755-0088.
