Is a permit required?
A building permit is required for a residential fence in Des Plaines.
"A building permit is required for a residential fences."
Source: desplainesil.gov
How to apply
Apply online through the City's Customer Self Service portal under Fence (Residential); upload a plat of survey and, for contractor work, a signed contract. Contractors must be registered with the city.
"Visit the City’s online Customer Self Service (CSS) portal: https://www.desplainesil.gov/css"
Source: desplainesil.gov
A final inspection is required; call the Building Division to schedule.
"Required Inspections: Final Inspection"
Source: desplainesil.gov
What it costs
The permit fee for a fence is $50, invoiced after review and approval.
"A permit fee for a fence is $50."
Source: desplainesil.gov
How tall it can be in back and side yards
Residential fences are limited to 6 feet in rear yards and side yards.
"and six feet (6') when located in rear yards, side yards, or within the buildable area of the lot."
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com
Front yards and corner lots
Residential fences in front yards and corner side yards are limited to 4 feet.
"The maximum height of a fence for a residential use shall be four feet (4') when located in front yards and corner side yards"
Source: desplainesil.gov
Front yard fences must be at least 50 percent open, see-through.
"Front yard fences in residential districts shall be constructed in such a manner so as to provide at least fifty percent (50%) open "see through" area of uniform distribution."
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com
Corners and driveways
A 6-foot fence in a rear or side yard may not be inside the 10-foot sight triangle of any alley, driveway or street.
"there shall be no portion of such fence located within the ten foot (10') sight triangle of any alley, driveway or street."
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com
Property lines and surveys
No setback is required for fences except along alleys, where they must be at least 3 feet from the alley right of way.
"Setbacks shall not be required for fences except those adjacent to alleys, in which case such fence shall be set back a minimum of three feet (3') from the alley right of way."
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com
A current plat of survey with the fence location, material, height and gate locations must be uploaded with the application.
"Upload a Plat of Survey with the location of the proposed fence clearly marked. Also indicate the fencing material, height, and location of any gates to be installed."
Source: desplainesil.gov
What is not allowed
The finished side must face the outside of the lot and posts go on the owner's side.
"All fence posts shall be located on the side of the fence facing the fence owner's property, and the fence's finished side shall face the exterior of the lot."
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com
Barbed wire and electrically charged fences are allowed only in nonresidential districts with a zoning administrator permit, so they are not allowed at homes.
"Barbed wire and electrically charged fences may be permitted only in nonresidential districts"
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com
A fence that completely encloses a residential lot must have at least one gate.
"All fences that completely enclose a residential lot shall have at least one gate access to one or more principal entrances to such dwelling."
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com
Pool fences
A 4-foot fence is required around in-ground pools, with latching, self-closing, lockable gates.
"A four-foot (4’) high fence is required around inground pools. It must latch and have self-closing gates with locking capabilities at all openings."
Source: desplainesil.gov
Other rules
No fence or raised barrier may be put along the property line of a shared driveway.
"No fences or raised barriers may be installed along the property line of a shared driveway."
Source: desplainesil.gov
New fencing must be at least 5 feet from any parallel fence on the same property.
"New fencing shall be located at least five feet (5') away from any parallel fence when located on the same property."
Source: codelibrary.amlegal.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 Des Plaines. Rules change, and some neighborhoods and HOAs have their own. Confirm with the city before you build. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
