Is a permit required?
A fence permit is required before installing a new fence, replacing an existing fence, or repairing a fence when new posts are needed.
"A fence permit is required prior to installing a new fence, replacing an existing fence, or repairing a fence when new posts are required."
Source: rockfordil.gov
A fence built without a permit must be removed if it breaks the rules; if it meets all rules it can stay only if a permit is obtained within 30 days after notice, at double the fee.
"it may remain only if a fence permit is obtained within 30 days after notice from the City at double the scheduled permit fee."
Source: rockfordil.gov
A fence permit is valid 120 days from approval; if it expires before the fence is done, a new permit and fee are needed.
"All fence permits shall be valid for 120 days (four months) from the date of approval by Zoning staff."
Source: rockfordil.gov
How to apply
Rockford offers online permitting through its permit portal.
"Online Permitting"
Source: rockfordil.gov
The fence application is filed with the Planning and Zoning Division, 425 East State Street, phone (779) 348-7158.
"City of Rockford, Illinois Planning and Zoning Division 425 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61104 Phone: (779) 348-7158"
Source: rockfordil.gov
What it costs
The 2024 fence application lists residential fence permit at $63.80 (commercial and industrial $203.50).
"Residential = $63.80 Commercial and Industrial = $203.50"
Source: rockfordil.gov
How tall it can be in back and side yards
Side and rear yards: up to 6 feet, as measured from existing grade, up to the property line.
"Fences measuring a maximum of 6 feet in height, as measured from the existing grade, are permitted up to the property line in a side or rear yard areas."
Source: rockfordil.gov
A solid (sight-obstructing) fence over 4 feet may not be within 2.5 feet of an alley.
"no sight-obstructing fence over 4 feet high may be located within 2.5 feet of an alley"
Source: rockfordil.gov
Front yards and corner lots
Front yard: up to 4 feet, decorative only (wood, masonry or wrought iron, not chain link), up to the property line.
"Fences measuring a maximum of 4 feet in height, as measured from existing grade, are permitted in the front yard up to the property line."
Source: rockfordil.gov
Along an arterial street, a fence up to 6 feet is allowed to the property line, if the lot fronts both an arterial and a second parallel street and the house faces the second street.
"Fences measuring a maximum of 6 feet in height, as measured from existing grade, are permitted up to the property line along an arterial street"
Source: rockfordil.gov
The city says other exceptions for corner lots, arterial streets and alleys require a Zoning Variance approved by City Council.
"Exceptions do apply for various property conditions such as corner lots, arterial streets and alleys, which would require approval of a Zoning Variance by City Council."
Source: rockfordil.gov
Corners and driveways
Only a non-sight-obstructing fence 4 feet or lower is allowed in a street or alley sight triangle; no sight-obstructing fence of any height may be in the triangle in side or rear yards.
"no sight-obstructing fence of any height may be located within a sight-triangle of intersecting streets and/or alleys"
Source: rockfordil.gov
The sight triangle is measured 20 feet back along each street right-of-way line and 10 feet along each alley right-of-way line from where they meet.
"measuring back from the intersection of the two right-of-way lines 20 feet along any street right-of-way lines and/or 10 feet along any alley right-of-way lines"
Source: rockfordil.gov
Property lines and surveys
The fence must be on the owner's property; the owner is solely responsible for finding the property lines and the city does not locate them.
"The City assumes no responsibility for locating property lines."
Source: rockfordil.gov
A plot plan showing property dimensions and existing and proposed fences, drawn to scale (1 inch = 20 feet), must go with the application.
"shall submit a plot plan showing the property dimensions, location of all existing buildings and fences and proposed fences on an attached sheet drawn to scale."
Source: rockfordil.gov
What is not allowed
The finished side must face the adjacent property or public right-of-way, with posts on the inside, unless the fence looks the same on both sides.
"All fences shall be installed with the finished side facing the adjacent property or public right-of-way"
Source: rockfordil.gov
Barbed wire, spiked railing and sharp or pointed devices are not allowed in any residential or commercial zoning district.
"Barbed wire fence, spiked railing or any guard or barricade with barbed wire or sharp\pointed devices that are liable to injure residents are not allowed in any residential or commercial zoning district."
Source: rockfordil.gov
Electric fencing is not allowed in the city (the zoning ordinance bars it in residential and commercial districts).
"Electric fencing is not allowed within the City"
Source: rockfordil.gov
Customary materials: chain link or metal (11 gauge or thicker), wrought iron, aluminum, wood, PVC, concrete, masonry.
"The fencing materials used must be those customarily used: chain link/metal (not less than 11 gauge thickness), wrought iron, aluminum, wood (chemically treated or naturally resistant to decay), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), concrete, masonry."
Source: rockfordil.gov
Chicken wire, welded mesh wire, corrugated or sheet metal, solid plywood, scrap lumber, common concrete, cinder block and temporary construction or snow fence are prohibited.
"All other materials are prohibited including: chicken wire, welded mesh wire, corrugated or sheet metal, solid plywood, scrap lumber, common concrete, cinder block, and construction, snow and other temporary fencing as permanent fencing."
Source: rockfordil.gov
Pool fences
All pools must be enclosed with a fence or barrier 48 inches high, with openings of no more than 2 inches at the bottom and 4 inches within the barrier.
"All pools shall be enclosed with a fence or other barrier that is 48 inches high with openings not more than 2 inches from the bottom to grade and not more than 4 inches within the barrier."
Source: rockfordil.gov
Other rules
The property may need Historic Preservation Commission or City Engineer (flood) approval before the fence permit can be approved.
"the fence permit CANNOT be approved until after approval has been obtained from the Historic Preservation Commission or the City Engineer."
Source: rockfordil.gov
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 Rockford. Rules change, and some neighborhoods and HOAs have their own. Confirm with the city before you build. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
