Check this with the city: Skokie's FAQ lists a $50 fee and a processing time that differ from its newer permit page. Confirm the fee when you apply.
Is a permit required?
Skokie's zoning code requires a building permit to construct, install or replace any fence.
"A building permit shall be required for the construction, installation, or replacement of any fence."
Source: library.municode.com
The village's building code also says no one may build or keep a fence without first getting a permit.
"No person shall construct or maintain any fence or portion thereof unless a permit therefore shall first have been secured."
Source: library.municode.com
The village FAQ says a fence permit is only needed when a fence is installed or replaced.
"A fence permit is only required when a fence is installed or replaced."
Source: skokie.org
How to apply
Applications are made online through the village permit portal (an account is needed); both homeowner and contractor sign the forms and contractors must be licensed and bonded.
"Apply online using our permit portal Both the homeowner and contractor must sign forms."
Source: skokie.org
Small projects like fences are usually reviewed in 3 to 5 business days.
"Small projects (like fences or garages) are usually reviewed in 3–5 business days"
Source: skokie.org
What it costs
The village FAQ lists the fence permit fee as $50, covering review and all inspections.
"The fence permit fee is $50 and covers the permit review and all inspections."
Source: skokie.org
How tall it can be in back and side yards
Fences in a required yard may be up to 6 feet tall, but only 5 feet where a residential lot's fence runs along a side lot line or in a required side yard next to another residential lot.
"Not exceeding 5' from ground level in a residential zoning district when abutting another lot in a residential zoning district if the fence is either along a side lot line or in a required side yard."
Source: library.municode.com
Front yards and corner lots
Fences are not allowed in any part of a front yard or corner side yard in residential districts (limited exceptions for schools, parks, governmental uses and utilities).
"No fence or portion of a fence shall be allowed on any part of a front yard or corner side yard except at schools, public parks, governmental uses, and public utilities"
Source: library.municode.com
Corners and driveways
Fences may not be taller than 30 inches inside a sight distance triangle.
"Not exceeding 30" from ground level within a sight distance triangle."
Source: library.municode.com
Property lines and surveys
A recent plat of survey and a site plan showing the fence location must be submitted with the application.
"A recent Plat of Survey Two copies of the Site Plan showing the proposed fence location"
Source: skokie.org
Fences are on the list of permit types that must submit a clear, legible plat of survey confirmed by the applicant as accurate; outdated plats are rejected.
"must submit a clear and legible plat of survey, with the applicant confirming that the survey is accurate and shows all improvements currently on site"
Source: skokie.org
What is not allowed
Electrically charged fences are prohibited.
"The following types of fences and fence attachments are prohibited unless otherwise stated: (1) Electrically charged."
Source: library.municode.com
Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited on residential fences (barbed wire is allowed only at industrial property).
"Barbed wire, razor wire or any guard or barricade intended to cause injury."
Source: library.municode.com
Fence posts must face the owner's side of the fence or be enclosed on two sides by fencing.
"All fence posts and other supporting members must face to the owner's side or be enclosed on two sides by fencing."
Source: library.municode.com
Pool fences
Private residential pools must be fully enclosed by a 4-foot fence.
"shall be completely enclosed by a 4-foot fence erected along the periphery of the pool walks"
Source: library.municode.com
Pool fence gates must have self-closing, self-latching devices at the top of the gate, out of small children's reach.
"All gates shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices placed at the top of the gate, and made inaccessible to small children."
Source: library.municode.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 Skokie. Rules change, and some neighborhoods and HOAs have their own. Confirm with the city before you build. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
