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Planning Commission recommends Council approve fence ordinance changes allowing more front‑yard flexibility
Summary
The commission recommended City Council approve text amendments to the fence ordinance to allow 6‑foot decorative fences up to front walls/corners, restore some 3‑foot opaque front‑yard fencing, and add life‑safety carve‑outs for interior side‑yard doors.
Senior city planner Sarah Roman presented proposed text amendments to Minneapolis's fence ordinance and the Planning Commission voted to recommend City Council approve the changes.
Roman said Councilmembers Vita and Palmisano introduced an ordinance (Feb. 2026, amended Apr. 2026) proposing three main changes: allow 6‑foot fences to be constructed to the front wall/corner of a house if the extra height is open/decorative; restore allowance for 3‑foot opaque front‑yard fencing previously removed in 2023; and address life‑safety setbacks where an interior side‑yard door must be able to open by carving out proximity limits. Roman noted the city does not require fence permits or site plans for most fences and that the amendments are intended to increase flexibility and reduce variance burdens for homeowners.
The commission moved to adopt staff findings and voted in favor of recommending the text changes to City Council. Roman answered commissioner questions and explained the intent to balance design flexibility with safety and predictability in enforcement.
The Planning Commission’s recommendation will go to City Council for further action.
