Is a permit required?
A building permit is required to install a fence in Palatine.
"A building permit is required to install a fence."
Source: palatine.il.us
The zoning code makes it unlawful to build, erect or replace a fence on private property or a parkway without a building permit.
"It shall be unlawful to construct, erect or replace on private property or upon any parkway in the Village any fence, as defined in this ordinance without first obtaining a building permit"
Source: library.municode.com
An existing non-conforming fence may be replaced in its current location if it is no taller and similar or more open in style, after the owner proves the old fence's location, height and style. A permit is still required.
"Any existing non-conforming fence, as of the effective date of this ordinance, may be replaced in its current location provided that: 1) Such replacement fence is no taller in height than the existing non-conforming fence"
Source: library.municode.com
How to apply
Fence permits are applied for online only through the Village's Citizen Self Service portal; the signed contract and plat of survey are uploaded there.
"Express permits are exclusively available online at our Citizen Self Service Portal."
Source: palatine.il.us
The contractor must be registered and bonded with the Village.
"Contractor must be registered and bonded with the Village."
Source: palatine.il.us
Review may take up to 5 days.
"The permit application review may require up to 5 days to complete."
Source: palatine.il.us
What it costs
How tall it can be in back and side yards
Residential fences may not exceed 6 feet, or 8 feet in rear or interior side yards that border Business or Manufacturing districts.
"All fencing shall not exceed six (6) feet in height unless otherwise specified, except that fencing in rear or interior side yards, which abut properties in a Business or Manufacturing District, shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height."
Source: library.municode.com
Front yards and corner lots
In front yards (and side yards abutting a street that abuts a front yard) only decorative fencing is allowed, up to 3 feet tall and 20 linear feet total.
"Decorative fencing shall not exceed three (3) feet in height."
Source: library.municode.com
Total decorative fencing in a front yard may not exceed 20 linear feet.
"The total amount of all decorative fencing in any front yard or side yard abutting a street abutting a front yard shall not exceed twenty (20) linear feet in length in a yard."
Source: library.municode.com
Fencing in a front yard beyond the decorative exception needs a special use approved by the Village Council.
"Special Uses. The following uses are permitted as special uses when authorized by the Village Council"
Source: library.municode.com
On a side yard abutting a street (next to another street side yard), non-decorative fences must sit at least 5 feet from the lot line.
"All other fences shall be set back a minimum of five (5) feet from the side yard abutting a street lot line."
Source: library.municode.com
Property lines and surveys
Fences in interior side yards and rear yards have no setback requirement from the lot line.
"Interior side yards and rear yards: Fences are permitted with no setback requirement."
Source: palatine.il.us
A plat of survey showing the proposed fence location, height and material must be uploaded with the application.
"Plat of Survey showing proposed fence location, height, and material (example: 6' wood)"
Source: palatine.il.us
What is not allowed
Barbed wire and electrically charged fences are not permitted.
"No barbed wire or electrically charged fences are permitted."
Source: palatine.il.us
The finished side of the fence must face out.
"The finished side of the fence shall face out."
Source: palatine.il.us
Support posts must be no more than 8 feet apart.
"Support posts must be spaced no greater than 8 feet on center."
Source: palatine.il.us
Chain link fences must be at least 11.5-gauge woven wire.
"Chain link fences shall be constructed of at least 11.5-gauge woven wire"
Source: palatine.il.us
Pool fences
The zoning code requires fences or other permitted safety measures around swimming pools as set out in the building code (no dimensions stated in the fence section).
"Fences, or other permitted safety measures, shall be required around swimming pools as provided in the building code."
Source: library.municode.com
Other rules
Fences must not interfere with natural stormwater flow; fences in drainage easements need Village Engineer approval.
"The location and style of any fencing shall not interfere with the natural flow of stormwater."
Source: palatine.il.us
The homeowner, not the Village, must get HOA approval; the Village does not require it before issuing a permit.
"The Village does not require HOA approval prior to issuing a permit."
Source: palatine.il.us
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 Palatine. Rules change, and some neighborhoods and HOAs have their own. Confirm with the city before you build. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Fence companies that serve Palatine
- Wood fences
- Vinyl (PVC) fences
- Fence repair
- Wood fences
- Chain link
- Workmanship warranty
