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Residential fencing offers many benefits to property owners. For starters, it adds aesthetic value to your property which can be useful if you ever decide to resell your home. A good residential fence can improve your level of privacy, help keep stray animals out while also preventing your pets from escaping.
Another substantial benefit to installing a residential fence is they can help you to accurately establish property lines.
In the State of Minnesota, there are rules and regulations all property owners must follow when they install new fencing. It’s important to understand these rules before you even get started looking at materials or comparing installation costs.
What Homeowners Should Know About Residential Fencing Laws
One of the biggest issues all homeowners face when it comes to installing a new residential fence is a dispute with their neighbors over the accurate property line. We have all heard the saying “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors”. One of the main reasons why so many people choose to install a new fence is privacy from their neighbors. Therefore, when you install a new fence, you want it to sit exactly on the property line.
There are also several other issues that homeowners deal with if their neighbors aren’t happy with their new fencing. Some neighbors may complain about the material you used or claim that it doesn’t do anything to improve the aesthetic value of the neighborhood. Your neighbors may also be required to trim their trees so your new fence may be installed.
As a properly owner, you have every right to install a new fence on your property, regardless of how much your neighbor disagrees. The most prominent issue that homeowners face is the disagreement over property lines. That’s because no one wants their next-door neighbor placing a fence on what is supposed to be their property. Once that dispute is settled, you should not have any issues related to the rules and regulations for residential fencing in Minnesota.
What are the Fence Laws in Minnesota?
There are several fence laws and regulations for homeowners in the state of Minnesota.
Partition Fences – Expenses, Equal Shares, Adjoining Owners
Any time all or a portion of the land is improved or used, and one or both individuals wish to build a fence, both parties must build and maintain the partition fence equally.
Failure to Build, Rebuild, or Repair Costs
If one party refuses to build, rebuild or repair the fence, and they are required by law to do so, the other party has the right to take their dispute to the fence viewers.
If one party performs maintenance or repairs to the fence, and makes these repairs acceptable to the fence viewers, the home owner may recover the repair costs from the other party.
Tree Damages
If someone cuts down or damages a property owner’s tree. That person is liable to the owner for damages.
The Difference Between a Partition Fence and a Division Fence
There are two different types of fences Minnesota home owners can have installed on their properties, a partition fence and a division fence. A partition fence is one located either on or near the boundary line for the two properties typically both property owners share the cost of the installation for this fence. A division fence is different because there are no shared-cost obligations involved.
The laws for a partition fence in Minnesota apply whenever neighbors disagree in popular disputes such as the need for a fence or the correct division of costs for installation, repairing, maintenance, and materials.
In the State of Minnesota, the expenses for a partition fence should be shared between both parties, as well as the cost for repairs and maintenance. If a dispute arises, the individual who pays for the fence is allowed to recover the losses from their non-paying neighbor in court.
What is a Fence Viewer?
Fence Viewer is the official title given to the individual in charge of overseeing neighborhood fence disputes. The early New England law term was once used to help solve disputes among property owners with livestock. Those with adjoining properties would often complain about livestock roaming over to their land.
Today, the exact needs for a fence viewer may be different, but they are still very important. These days, the title is often given to either a city or county commissioner or another local individual who holds public office. It is their duty to hear, assess and decide all boundary fence disputes for the area. In most cases, homeowners must pay a general fee to the fence viewer for their services.
How to Avoid a Property Line Dispute
Property line disputes are not as common today as they once were. This is because of the advancements in record keeping and well-defined property lines. It is easier to avoid a property line dispute these days by hiring a surveyor to examine the line and show both parties where the property lines lie. Of course, this will not take care of issues such as figuring out how to split the costs for a partition fence or trimming trees. But, hiring a surveyor can help make a big difference if there is a misunderstanding over where the property line lies.
Why Vinyl Fencing is a Great Choice for your Residential Property
When it is time to choose the best fencing material for your new residential fence, there are several options available to you. One of the best options in terms of value, price, and long-lasting durability is vinyl fencing.
Vinyl fencing can offer the same aesthetic value as a rich cedar wood fence, but with so many more advantages over the years. Wood paneling and fencing material is known to rot due to the harsh Minnesota climate. Most people who own this type of fencing will end up paying out more in maintenance costs than their fence is actually worth.
When you use vinyl material for your residential fencing needs, you get a fence that will help keep your pets and family safe and add a touch of beauty to your property without the disadvantages that a wooden fence provides.
What is Vinyl Fencing Material?
Vinyl fencing material is made up of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) It may be combined with other types of ingredients to create this strong and smooth weather-resistant fencing choice. The durability of vinyl fencing material makes it a good choice for all types of outdoor DIY projects.
When it comes to upfront costs, vinyl fencing material is more expensive than wood. But when you consider the amount of repairs and maintenance you must perform on wooden fences throughout the years, you will find that you end up saving money by paying out more for PVC fence installation. Vinyl is known to last much longer than wooden fences and it offers greater value to all types of homeowners.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider vinyl fencing material.
Affordable
Vinyl fencing may not be the cheapest option up front but when you compare the overall cost for this material to others, you will find that it is quite affordable. Vinyl PVC fencing material can be made in bulk quantities in factories all throughout the country, which makes it more sustainable than wood. It is also easier to transport than wood or steel fencing materials which can help lower the total cost as well.
Aesthetic Value
When you own a home, you want it to look its very best both inside and out. A new vinyl fence will give your property more curb appeal, increase the aesthetic value and improve the look of your neighborhood overall. Vinyl fencing provides the option of adding classic neutral tones or a burst of color to your home that is eye-catching and beautiful. You can choose from solid fencing panels or those that feature a wood-like texture.
Little to No Maintenance
PVC fencing material is durable and long lasting, it is designed to withstand the warm summer heat as well as ongoing rain and frigid temperatures. This type of weather can cause severe damage to wooden fences over time, but vinyl fencing will not rot or start to look worn down after several years of exposure to the elements. It is worth taking the time to find out more about investing in vinyl fencing because you will end up saving yourself time and money on the cost of maintenance and repairs.
Contact Us Today for Fence Installation and Financing Information
Vinyl or PVC fencing is quickly becoming the go-to choice for homeowners here in Minnesota. That is because it is strong and durable, requires little maintenance, and is available in a variety of styles and colors that coordinate well with any home.
Unlike cheaper fencing material,, vinyl will not rot, fade, chip, peel or crack. When you place an order with us, you will receive our company’s lifetime non-prorated warranty on all materials used, and a full 5-year warranty on labor. We want to be sure that our PVC vinyl fence is the last fence you ever need to purchase for your place of residence. Get in touch with us today for more details.
Links
https://statelaws.findlaw.com/minnesota-law/property-line-and-fence-laws-in-minnesota.html