Residential Fence Codes and Regulations – Arlington Heights, IL

Like other Illinois cities, the Village of Arlington Heights regulates fences carefully to preserve an attractive appearance and promote public safety. Located in Cook and Lake Counties, the city is proud of its neighborhoods and its overall beauty. Its more than 76,000 residents take great pride in their properties and set high standards for residential uses. Located northwest of Chicago, it is a family-oriented community that focuses on maintaining a high standard for quality of life and beautiful, safe neighborhoods.

General Requirements for Residential Fences

If you’re planning to install a new or replacement fence in the city, you should know that building permits are required for all installations, and strict rules for heights and types of fences are enforced. Homeowners can install their own fences as a DIY project, but must meet all codes and regulations. The information below covers most residential installations. These rules are subject to change at any time, and variations from the regulations may be allowed with specific approval from the city’s building and zoning authorities.

• Building Permit Required? – A building permit is required for all residential fence projects in Arlington Heights. Permits cost $40.
• Permit Documentation Needed
  • Plat of survey, drawn to scale with fence dimensions.
  • Proposal from contractor or DIY homeowner, with height, materials, style and construction methods.
  • Catalog cut-sheet or image of proposed fence style.
• Fence Materials Allowed – Wood, metal ornamental, vinyl, composite and chain link fences are allowed.

• Fence Styles Allowed – Most residential fences must be open or semi-open designs. Sold fences are allowed only in specific situations where they face arterial or secondary arterial streets.
• Maximum Height Limits – 5′ maximum height. (6′ height adjacent to arterial streets in some cases.)
• Property Line Issues – Fences may be placed up to lot lines in most cases.
• Inspections Needed – Final inspection required after construction.
• Building Authority Contact – 847-368-5560 or 847-368-5975 (fax)
• Building Department Website

Specific Fence Rules, Ordinances and Restrictions

• Front Yard Fences
  • Open styles only
  • 3′ maximum height
  • May be placed up to lot line
• Side Yard Fences
  • Open or semi-open (1" between slats)
  • 5′ maximum height
  • May be placed up to lot line

• Rear Yard Fences
  • Open or semi-open designs on sides of yard
  • May be solid on rear of lot, if parallel to arterial street
  • 5′ maximum height. (6′ on rear, if parallel to arterial street)
  • May be placed up to lot line
• Corner Lot Restrictions
  • Front yard fence must be open style with 3′ maximum height.
  • Side yard and rear yard fences adjacent to street must be open or semi-open with 3 feet maximum height, unless set back from lot line at least 5′ when it can be 5′ high.
  • Solid fences up to 6′ high are allowed adjacent to arterial or secondary arterial streets in side or rear yards with at least a 5′ setback.
  • Landscaping is required outside of setback fences that abut streets.

• Other Ordinances
  • Barbed wire fences are prohibited.
  • Metal and chain link fences must be made of at least 9-gauge wire.
  • Slatted chain link fences are prohibited for residential use.
  • Front yard fences or fences adjacent to public access areas may not have any sharp points.
  • Finished side of fence must face outward toward adjoining property.
• Swimming Pool Fences – Swimming pools must be surrounded by a fence with a minimum height of 4′. Self-closing and latching gates are required.
• Homeowner’s Association Rules – In subdivisions and developments governed by an association, the association rules may be different from citywide rules.
• Commercial Fence Codes – Consult the Arlington Heights Building Department for regulations specific to commercial fences.

Ordinances for Building Residential Fences in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Beautiful fences are a popular finishing touch for any residential property. They promote neighborhood appearance and security while enhancing property values. For most homeowners, fence building is a job for professional contractors, but some people with advanced do-it-yourself skills take great pride in doing their own work. This website is designed to help Illinois property owners understand the rules and regulations that apply to fence construction in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. If you have any questions about your project, contact your local building department to make sure your plans meet the latest local regulations.