Check this with the city: Peoria's full fence code section could not be read, so corner-lot and side-yard rules are not listed here. Call the city for those.
Is a permit required?
Peoria requires a no-cost Zoning Certificate to verify a fence meets city code.
"A Zoning Certificate ($0 fee) is required to verify fence compliance with City Code."
Source: peoriagov.org
The city FAQ says the zoning certificate is needed before installing a fence.
"A zoning certificate ($0 charge) is needed to confirm the fence's compliance with code prior to installing a fence."
Source: peoriagov.org
How to apply
Email the form to the Development Center or mail it to City Hall, Room 203.
"Send this application to the Development Center at communitydevelopment@peoriagov.org or mail it to Peoria City Hall, 419 Fulton Street, Room 203, Peoria, IL 61602."
Source: peoriagov.org
What it costs
The fence zoning verification application is free.
"Complete a no-cost Fence Zoning Verification Application (PDF) to make sure that your fence is up to code."
Source: peoriagov.org
How tall it can be in back and side yards
In residential areas a fence may be at most 6 feet in the back yard and 3 feet in the front yard.
"Fences in residential areas may not exceed six (6) feet in the back yard or three (3) feet in the front yard"
Source: peoriagov.org
Front yards and corner lots
Front yard fences cannot exceed 3 feet.
"Fence in the front yard cannot exceed 3 feet."
Source: peoriagov.org
Corner lots have extra rules that the city handles by phone or email.
"If your house is on a corner lot, please email us at communitydevelopment@peoriagov.org or call at 309-494-8600 for additional assistance."
Source: peoriagov.org
Property lines and surveys
A fence may sit on the lot line but may not cross it.
"A fence may be built on a lot line, but cannot cross into someone else's property"
Source: peoriagov.org
A fence between two houses must be at least 3 feet from each house.
"Fences between houses must be at least three (3) feet from each house"
Source: peoriagov.org
The application needs a scaled site plan showing property lines, streets, structures and the proposed fence location.
"Scaled site plan showing the following: All property lines, Streets, Existing Structures, Proposed Structures, Proposed Fence Location"
Source: peoriagov.org
What is not allowed
No chain link in the front or corner side yard in residential and commercial zones.
"Properties that are zoned as residential or commercial cannot built a chain link fence in the front or corner yard"
Source: peoriagov.org
Each property may use at most two fence materials.
"Each property is limited to two (2) types of fence materials"
Source: peoriagov.org
The smooth side of the fence faces the street or neighbors, with support members facing your own lot.
"The “smooth” side of the fence must face the street or neighboring property. Support members face your lot."
Source: peoriagov.org
Other rules
Fences outside the guidelines need a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
"Fences that fall outside of these guidelines must apply for a variance through the Zoning Board of Appeals."
Source: peoriagov.org
The city says neighborhood associations and deed covenants may add their own fence rules.
"Additional regulations relative to the type of fences and locations permitted in your neighborhood may be made by your local civic or neighborhood association or in restrictive covenants listed in your deed."
Source: peoriagov.org
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 Peoria. Rules change, and some neighborhoods and HOAs have their own. Confirm with the city before you build. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
