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If you are thinking about installing a fence in Chicagoland, you may have already discovered that the rules and regulations can be confusing. It makes sense, of course, that a metro area with nearly 10 million people living in over 200 cities and villages that make up Chicagoland would have varied fence rules.  It’s true, all the Chicago suburban cities have their own fence codes, designed to make sure that all the fences in their area are attractive, safe, and appropriate. It’s important to know these rules and obtain a permit before you start to build a fence, but how do you know the rules in your neighborhood?

Aerial View of Residential Streets in Chicago, IL

Backyard Fence Laws Vary from City to City

The only way to know what the laws are in your city is to do some research. Typically, the laws will address things like the height of the fence and the materials allowed for constructing the fence. In Schaumburg, for example, a fence can’t be built with hazardous material like barbed wire, and most residential fences cannot be more than five feet tall. On the other hand, homeowners in Aurora and Bolingbrook can have fences up to six feet, generally speaking, and those fences can be made of any type of residential fence material, including wood, aluminum, steel, PVC, vinyl, and chain link. OF course, your neighborhood association may have some different thoughts on the liberties you can take with your fence installation.

What are the Fence Height Regulations in IL?

In the state of Illinois, most of the general fencing regulations have to do with containing livestock. If you live in a suburb of Chicago, this is likely not your biggest concern. Still, the law in Illinois says that a fence must be at least four and a half feet high, kept in good repair, and sufficient to keep livestock off of other people’s property. Typically, a fence surrounding a residential property in Illinois must be no more than six feet tall, but again, that varies. A fence in front of a house in Illinois can only be three feet tall and must be at least 50 percent open, so that it doesn’t impede pedestrians.

Don’t Forget About HOA Fencing Guidelines

Just when you’ve looked into city and state regulations, and you think you’ve got a handle on the local backyard fence laws, the HOA rears its head. HOAs typically have very specific rules regarding fencing and every other aspect of home improvement, outlining the color, material, size, and everything else in between. Interestingly, while state, county, and city fence laws are generally about safety, HOA guidelines are more concerned with aesthetics. Before you install a fence, check with your HOA to make sure your fence will meet with their approval.

Why It Pays to Work with an Experienced Local Fence Installation Company

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to know how to get a fence permit in your Chicagoland suburb. When you work with Paramount Fence, you are entrusting the job to an experienced company that is deeply rooted in the community. Our team knows the regulations governing fence installation, and we will help to obtain all necessary permits to get the job done well and stay in compliance. We will even determine your HOA’s regulations, so that we can make sure we stay in their good graces, as well. We want you to be satisfied with the job we do, and we know you wouldn’t be happy if you were harassed about your unpermitted fence! When you work with our experienced local fence installers, you are working with people who know the rules and follow them, helping you to be a good neighbor and a good citizen while we exceed your expectations and wow you with a beautiful new fence.

Confused about Zoning, Fence Rules in Chicago? Paramount Fence Has Got it Covered.

You don’t have to worry about how to get a fence permit when you work with an experienced local company. Paramount Fence Inc. is a fence company with strong ties to the community and a reputation for excellence in professional fence installation. Our family-owned and operated business is a full-service fencing company in the Chicagoland area, proudly serving the following counties in Illinois: Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, McHenry, and parts of Cook, Will, and Lake. With over a century of combined experience, we’ve been the premier name in fence installation in our community since 2006, and we’ve built an impeccable reputation for professionalism, expertise, and superior results. Using modern, cutting-edge methods, equipment, and techniques, we will help you find the fence of your dreams, and we’ll be with you through every step of your fence installation project. Paramount Fence Inc. is a member of the American Fence Association and has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. To learn more about our work, browse our gallery to check out our prior projects, or contact us for a free on-site estimate from Chicagoland’s trusted local team.