Fence permits in Decatur, IL

A building permit is required to erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge or structurally modify a fence in Decatur.

"Except as otherwise provided herein, it shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, or structurally modify a fence without first obtaining a building permit."

Source: decaturil.gov

The only exemption listed is temporary fences protecting a construction or demolition site.

"Fences installed for protection of a construction or demolition site (as specified in Chapter 33 of the International Building Code) are exempt from permit requirements"

Source: decaturil.gov

The city's homeowner permit guide lists a fence as a project that requires a permit.

"Fence"

Source: decaturil.gov

Permit requests are made through the City's OpenGov online platform.

"You can request a permit through the City of Decatur OpenGov platform."

Source: decaturil.gov

Building permit fee for one- and two-family residential work is 0.5 percent of project value, minimum $50; the fee schedule has no separate fence line.

"Residential: (One- & Two-family dwellings) .5% of Project Value, minimum $50"

Source: decaturil.gov

Residential districts allow 6 feet in side and rear yards (8 feet if adjacent to R-6, O-1, B-1, B-2, B-3, M-1, M-2, M-3, PD and PMR districts).

"Residential Districts 4 feet1 6 feet2 6 feet2"

Source: decaturil.gov

Front yard fences in residential districts may be up to 4 feet; on a corner lot this applies only to the side actually used as the front yard.

"On Residential District corner lots, the front yard maximum height of 4 feet shall be construed to refer only to the side of the lot actually used as the front yard."

Source: decaturil.gov

A front yard fence that is more than 50 percent opaque may not be taller than 4 feet.

"No fence within a required front yard that is more than fifty (50) opaque may be taller than four (4) feet."

Source: decaturil.gov

No fence may be taller than 3.5 feet above street grade within the vision clearance triangle.

"No fence in any zoning district shall be constructed at a height greater than three and one-half"

Source: decaturil.gov

The vision clearance triangle is measured 25 feet from the intersection of street right-of-way lines (and similar points for alleys and driveways).

"Twenty-five (25) feet from the intersection of street right-of-way line or private roadway easements."

Source: decaturil.gov

A fence may be on the property line if posts stay on the owner's side and the finished side faces outward toward the public.

"Fences may be located on the property line provided that any post or other stabilizing apparatus shall be located within the property lines of the owner of the fence"

Source: decaturil.gov

Fences may be placed on utility or drainage easements at the homeowner's risk, must not block drainage, and may not be in a FEMA flood plain.

"Fences may be placed on utility or drainage easements at the homeowner's risk."

Source: decaturil.gov

Standard fence materials are allowed: wood, decorative metal, chain link, vinyl and composite.

"Fence materials shall allow for all the standard fencing options, including standard wood fencing material, decorative metal, chain link, vinyl and composite."

Source: decaturil.gov

Barbed wire, iron spikes, electrically charged fences and other sharp-pointed material are unlawful (limited agricultural/industrial/hazard exceptions).

"It shall be unlawful for any person within the city to place, build or erect a fence, railing or guard of any kind constructed of barbed wire, iron spikes, electrically charged fence or other sharp-pointed material"

Source: decaturil.gov

The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant fence variances.

"The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant variances for fences in accordance with Section XXXI.B. of this Zoning Ordinance."

Source: decaturil.gov