📋 Key Rules
Cook County encompasses Chicago and 130+ suburban municipalities, each with its own building code. The City of Chicago requires permits for fences over 5 feet. Suburban cities vary between 5 and 8 feet. Unincorporated Cook County (a relatively small area) also requires permits for fences over 6 feet.
Permit Thresholds — Chicago Area
| City / Jurisdiction | Backyard Threshold | Front Yard | Fee | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Chicago | Over 5 ft | Over 3 ft front yard | $75–$130 | (312) 744-3449 |
| Evanston | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft front yard | $50–$85 | (847) 866-2935 |
| Oak Park | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$80 | (708) 358-5420 |
| Naperville (DuPage Co.) | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$90 | (630) 420-6100 |
| Schaumburg | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$85 | (847) 923-3870 |
| Arlington Heights | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $45–$75 | (847) 368-5200 |
| Joliet (Will Co.) | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $45–$80 | (815) 724-3780 |
| Unincorporated Cook | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$85 | (708) 974-6000 |
Key Rules for Cook County Il
Chicago uniquely requires permits for fences over 5 feet (not 6 feet like most jurisdictions). The City of Chicago Department of Buildings enforces this actively. Chicago also has detailed rules for chain-link fences in residential zones — maximum 4 feet in front yards, maximum 6 feet in rear yards. Illinois has an active partition fence statute (765 ILCS 130) governing boundary fence disputes.
How to Apply
- Identify your jurisdiction — Confirm whether your address falls under city, county, or township rules. Use your county's online parcel viewer.
- Get HOA approval first — If you're in an HOA, obtain written architectural approval before applying for any government permit.
- Prepare documents — Completed application, site plan with setback measurements, property survey or plat, HOA approval letter.
- Submit and pay — Chicago DOB: (312) 744-3449. Fee: $75–$130 in Chicago; $45–$90 in most suburbs.
- Build and inspect — Post permit at job site. Schedule final inspection after fence is complete.
Setback Rules
Standard residential setbacks in Illinois allow fences at the rear and side property lines (0 ft setback) in most residential zones. Front yard fences must sit behind the right-of-way line — not at the curb or sidewalk. Corner lots face sight triangle restrictions at intersections. Use our Setback Calculator for estimates, or confirm with your building department.
HOA Rules in the Chicago Area
The Chicago metro has significant HOA coverage in newer suburban developments. HOA approval and a building permit are separate requirements — get written HOA approval first, then apply for the permit. See our HOA Rules guides for homeowner protections in Illinois. Use our HOA Dispute Decision Tree if you’ve received a denial.
Free: Fence Permit Application Checklist
Every document and step for your permit application in the Chicago area.
⬇ Download Free PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Standard residential fence permits typically take 3–10 business days in most Chicago area jurisdictions. Applications in flood zones or requiring variance consideration take 3–6 weeks. Always apply before ordering materials or scheduling your contractor.
Yes, if both apply. They are entirely separate processes. Get written HOA approval first, then apply for the building permit. One does not substitute for the other.
In most Illinois jurisdictions, homeowners may pull their own building permits for work on their primary residence. You do not need a licensed contractor to obtain the permit, though any contractor doing the work must be licensed to operate in that city or county. Confirm with your specific building department.