Check this with the city: Cicero's code gives two different height limits for residential fences (5 feet for a structural fence in one section, 6 feet for side and rear yards in another). Ask the Building Department which applies to your fence.
Is a permit required?
Cicero code makes it unlawful to erect or alter any fence in town without a permit issued by the code enforcement director.
"It shall be unlawful to erect or alter any fence within the town unless a permit has been issued by the director of code enforcement"
Source: library.municode.com
The Building Department lists fences among work that needs a permit, whether the homeowner or a contractor does the work.
"Outdoor Structures & Features: Fences, decks, patios, and swimming pools."
Source: thetownofcicero.com
Minor fence repairs do not need a permit, but the town says to check first because even replacing a post can need a pre-pour inspection.
"Fence Repairs (minor repairs only)."
Source: thetownofcicero.com
The town advises asking permit staff before starting, since replacing a fence post may require a pre-pour inspection of the post holes.
"replacing a fence post might require a pre-pour inspection for post holes"
Source: thetownofcicero.com
How to apply
Apply in writing to the code enforcement department with scale plans, a spot survey, specifications, who is doing the work, and the fence location.
"Written application for such permit shall be filed with the code enforcement department and shall include plans to scale, a spot survey and specifications"
Source: library.municode.com
The Building Department at 4949 W. Cermak Road takes permit applications; its phone is 708-656-3600 ext. 452 and it is open Monday to Thursday 8 am to 8 pm.
"Accepting applications for building permits and plan submittals."
Source: thetownofcicero.com
What it costs
Cicero lists a $55 minimum fee for fencing; residential permits are charged 2% of construction cost but not less than the minimum.
"For residential structures, the fee is 2% of the construction cost, but not less than the minimum fees. ... Fencing ... are all $55 each."
Source: thetownofcicero.com
Homeowners doing their own repair work get a $1,500 yearly allowance of free permits but must still apply; it does not cover contractor work.
"The allowance does not apply to work performed by contractors."
Source: thetownofcicero.com
How tall it can be in back and side yards
Rear yard fences in residential districts may be wood, chain link, PVC or wrought iron and up to six feet tall.
"The fence is constructed from wood, chain link, PVC, or wrought iron. ... The height of the rear yard fence does not exceed six feet."
Source: library.municode.com
Side yard fences are allowed up to six feet if made of wood, chain link, PVC or wrought iron, non-locking, with at least 15 feet between the house and the neighbor's building.
"There is at least 15 feet between the building on the lot where the fence is to be located and the building on the neighboring property."
Source: library.municode.com
A privacy fence around a patio or first-floor deck may be five feet high; privacy fences around upper-level decks are not allowed.
"A privacy fence around a patio or first floor deck shall be permitted to a height of five feet"
Source: library.municode.com
Front yards and corner lots
Front yard fences are not allowed in Cicero residential districts, and any existing front yard fence must be non-locking.
"Front yard fences shall not be allowed in residential districts. All existing front yard fences must be non-locking."
Source: library.municode.com
Corners and driveways
No fence may block the view of people using adjacent streets, sidewalks or driveways, or block a fire hydrant (no numeric sight triangle is given in this article).
"would impair public safety by obstructing the vision of persons using the streets, sidewalks or driveways adjacent to the lot"
Source: library.municode.com
Property lines and surveys
A fence must sit entirely on the owner's land, at least four inches inside the property line, and back-to-back fences (parallel fences within four feet) are prohibited.
"Fences shall be located wholly on the owners property and shall be located no less than four inches inside of the property line. Back to back fences are prohibited."
Source: library.municode.com
Every fence permit application needs a current, accurate plat of survey showing the proposed fence and any existing fences.
"A current, accurate plat of survey is required for all fence permit applications, showing the location of the proposed fence and any existing fences."
Source: library.municode.com
What is not allowed
Barbed wire, razor wire and electrically charged fences are prohibited in Cicero, with narrow exceptions for manufacturing districts or a zoning board variance.
"The use of barbed wire, razor wire or electrically charged fences is prohibited."
Source: library.municode.com
Fence structural elements (posts and rails) must face the owner's own property, and fences must resist 35 pounds per square foot of horizontal wind pressure.
"structural elements are located on the side of the fence facing toward the property upon which the fence is constructed"
Source: library.municode.com
Other rules
When a new fence replaces an existing one, the old fence must be removed before the new one goes up.
"existing fences for which the new fence acts as a replacement, must be removed prior to erecting the new fence."
Source: library.municode.com
Before anyone digs
Illinois law requires a call to JULIE, the state's one-call system, before digging post holes. Call 811 or (800) 892-0123, or file online, at least 3 days before work starts. The call is free, and the locate is good for 25 days. On a hired job, the company doing the digging makes the call. More on Illinois fence rules
We are not the City of Cicero. Rules change, and some neighborhoods and HOAs have their own. Confirm with the city before you build. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
