Residential Setback Rules and Fences | City of Minnetonka, MN

The majority of properties in Minnetonka are zoned R-1, which is a low-density residential zone. The information below summarizes the rules for typical R-1 lots with direct frontage on a public street. Please contact a planner with questions about your specific property.

Setbacks
Fences

A required setback is the minimum distance between a building and a property line or a natural resource feature on the property.

Distance measured from	Required setback
Front property line	35 feet, local street 50 feet, arterial or collector street
Side property line	Aggregate total of 30 feet, with a minimum of 10 feet on either side
Rear property line	20 percent of average lot depth of 40 feet whichever is less
Ordinary high water level of a lake or creek	Depends on water body. Please contact natural resources division.
Floodplain (FEMA and 100-year)	20 feet horizontal and 2 feet vertical separation. Please contact engineering division.
Wetland	35-60 feet depending on wetland classification. Please contact natural resources division.

Types	Requirements
Pools and spas	All residential pools and spas must be enclosed by a non-climbable fence at least 5 feet high. Alternatively, the building official may approve a different latching system for certain spas, hot tubs, whirlpools or other covered pools. For questions about requirements, contact the building division at 952-939-8394.
Easements	Fences must be placed on private property and outside any easement that contains public utilities or improvements. If a fence is placed in an easement without utilities, it is at the property owner’s risk. For questions about easements, contact the engineering division at 952-939-8206.
Setbacks	No minimum setback is required from property lines. However, fences may need to be set back from lakes, creeks, floodplains, and wetlands. For questions about setbacks, contact the planning division at 952-939-8290.
Corner lots	Fences within 25 feet of a paved intersection are limited to a maximum height of 2.5 feet.
Materials and orientation	Minnetonka does not restrict the types of fence materials, and materials may be installed on either side of the support post. There is no "right-side/wrong-side" requirement.