Fence Installation Across the Twin Cities Metro

Requirements vary by municipality. Many Twin Cities cities require permits for fences above a certain height, near easements, or along street-facing property lines. We review the requirements for your specific city and assist with the permit application as part of the project. We don't skip this step.

Minnesota's frost depth in the Twin Cities metro is approximately 42 inches. Post footings should extend to or below this depth to prevent movement from freeze-thaw cycles. We typically set footings at 48 inches for adequate margin. This is the number one cause of fence failure we see in the metro — posts that weren't set deep enough.

You can install on your property line, but you need to know exactly where that line is. We recommend having a current survey on hand. Encroaching on a neighbor's property, even by a few inches, can create legal complications. Some homeowners choose to install 6 inches inside their line to avoid any dispute. We can help interpret your plat and install to your confirmed property line.

Vinyl is the most maintenance-free option and handles Minnesota freeze-thaw cycles without warping or rotting. Cedar is a classic Twin Cities choice — naturally moisture-resistant and beautiful, though it requires periodic staining. Treated pine is a budget-friendly wood alternative. Ornamental aluminum and chain link are both highly durable with minimal maintenance year-round. The right choice depends on your priorities — we discuss this during the estimate.

Yes, every time — it's required by Minnesota law and we take it seriously. We contact Gopher State One Call (811) before any excavation and allow the required three-business-day notice period for utilities to be marked before digging begins. This protects underground lines and protects you from liability.

Most residential fence projects take one to three days. Post setting requires concrete cure time — typically 24 to 48 hours — before we attach panels. This can extend the project timeline by one day but is necessary for a solid installation. We give you a specific schedule in your project estimate so you know what to expect.