Fence Codes and Ordinances for Blue Island, IL

Blue Island, located in Cook County, has about 24,000 residents. South of Chicago, the city has a very diverse population with about 8,000 households. There is a wide range of residential homes in Blue Island. The city has strict fence codes that specifies how residential fences should be built. A permit is required for all new installations. No front-yard fences are permitted on any residential properties. Fence posts must be at least 3 feet below grade. Whether the job is done by a commercial contractor or by the homeowner as a DIY project, the permit placard must be displayed on the building site.

• Building Permit Required? – A fence building permit is required for all residential fence projects in Blue Island. Permits average $15.
• Permit Documents Required:
  • Completed permit application.
  • Copy of staked plat of survey showing proposed fence location performed within 6 months of application.
  • Description of type and height of proposed fence.
  • Permit placard to be displayed during fence construction.
• Fence Materials Allowed – Metal, wood, composite, others as approved.

• Fence Styles Allowed – Chain link, semi-privacy and privacy.
• Maximum Height Limits – 6’ maximum height. Fence surrounding pool may reach 8’ in height.
• Property Line Issues – Fences may be placed up to lot lines in most cases.
• Inspections Needed – Final inspection required after construction.
• Building Authority Contact – Blue Island Code Administration Department Phone – (708) 597-8606. Email: building@cityofblueisland.org
• Blue Island Building Department Website

Specific Fence Rules, Ordinances and Restrictions

• Front Yard: No front yard fences permitted on any residential lot in the city of Blue Island.
• Barbed wire, razor wire and electrically charged fencing prohibited on residential property.
• Construction side and supports for fences must face in to permit holder’s lot, except in cases of a shared fence constructed by mutual agreement, where owners will mutually agree on which side the supports and posts will lie.
• If water meter device is within fence boundaries, City Water Department must be notified prior to construction for relocation.
• Fence posts must be placed at least 36″ below grade.
• Chain link fences must use metal posts anchored in concrete 36″ below grade.
• Fence post anchor holes must be 4 times the width of fence posts.