I Fought The Law

And the law lost. Or at least it was a draw. Remember that great fence I told you about earlier this summer? Well, they're currently doing curb to alley inspections in North and Northeast Minneapolis. And my fence? The inspector deemed it not to code. Specifically, section 535.420. Title 20, Section 535, Article VI states:

535.420. Fence height.Fence height shall be limited by its location as specified below. Except as otherwise provided in sections (1) and (2) below, the maximum fence height may be increased by two (2) feet if the entire fence is constructed of open, decorative, ornamental fencing materials that are less than sixty (60) percent opaque. For purposes of this provision, vinyl coated chain link shall qualify. In no case shall a fence exceed eight (8) feet in height, regardless of location.

(1) Front yard. Fences located in the required front yard shall not exceed three (3) feet in height. The maximum fence height may be increased by one (1) foot if constructed of open, decorative, ornamental fencing materials that are less than sixty (60) percent opaque.

(2) Corner side yard. Fences located in the required corner side yard shall not exceed three (3) feet in height. The maximum fence height may be increased by one (1) foot if constructed of open, decorative, ornamental fencing materials that are less than sixty (60) percent opaque. In addition, the maximum height may be increased to six (6) feet beginning at the point of intersection of the corner side wall and the rear wall of the principal structure to the rear lot line. For the purpose of this section, open decks and porchesshall not be considered part of the principal structure.

GRAPHIC LINK:Click here

(3) Interior side yard. Fences located in the required interior side yard shall not exceed four (4) feet in height. The maximum height may be increased to six (6) feet if the adjoining property has maintained a minimum interior side yard of five (5) feet along the entire length of the side wall of the principal structure. In addition, the maximum height may be increased to six (6) feet between the rear wall of the principal structure on the adjoining property and the rear lot line.

(4) Rear yard. Fences located in the required rear or side yard and extending along the rear lot line shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, except that a rear yard abutting a required side yard shall be considered an interior side yard and shall be subject to the regulations for interior side yards.

(5) Along public streets. Fences not located in required yards, but located within five (5) feet of a public street or public sidewalk, shall not exceed six (6) feet in height.

And they even give you a nice little diagram to explain it!
Now, that's perfectly my lot. Well, maybe. See where it says Front Yard and Corner Side Yard, that's where all the action is. On the corner side, you're allowed to be 6' high from the rear of the building. So it comes down to where the front of my house is located. 1400 18th Ave NE, you say? Not so fast, my friend. If that were the case, the fence (and previous fence) would be out of spec. Fortunately for me, an old building permit is still visible in the garage. And the address of said building permit? 1723 Buchanon St. The original platting (to use zoning speak) of my house was towards Buchanon, so what looks to be the front of my house, is in fact, the side. Fence? In compliance.
Understandably I was a little anxious when I called the city this evening, but Shanna and JoAnne were extremely helpful in sorting this out. They did a very good job of explaining everything to me and how it all worked. Now I know. And knowing is half the battle.