Fence Codes and Regulations for Calumet City, IL

Calumet City, also known as Cal City, is located inside the Cook County. South to the Chicago metro, it is home to about 37,000 residents. The city’s building codes mandate a permit for all residential fences installed by professional installers or DIY homeowners. The average cost of a permit is $10. All privacy fences require Mayor-City Council approval. 6′ maximum height must be followed and a final inspection is required. No front-yard fences are permitted by the codes. A swimming pool must be enclosed by a fence at least 5′ with a self-latching gate.

• Building Permit Required? – A fence building permit is required for all residential fence projects in Calumet City. Permits average $10.
• Permit Documents Required:
  • Completed permit application.
  • Copy of plat of survey showing proposed fence location.
  • Description of type and height of proposed fence.
  • Evidence of contractor work permit valid in city, $25 fee.
  • Proof of post hole inspection check.
  • Contact information and contractor information.
• Fence Materials Allowed – Metal, wood, others as approved.

• Fence Styles Allowed – Chain link and semi-privacy. All privacy fences require Calumet City Mayor-City Council approval prior to construction. May not be more than 50% closed style.
• Maximum Height Limits – 6’ maximum height.
• Property Line Issues – Fences may be placed up to lot lines in most cases. No back to back fences on neighboring properties permitted – one fence per property line.
• Inspections Needed – Final inspection required after construction.
• Building Authority Contact in Calumet City – Department of Inspectional Services at (708) 891-8120.
• Calumet City Building Department Website.

Specific Fence Rules, Codes and Restrictions

• Front Yard – No front yard fences permitted on any residential lot beyond front yard building line. No fence construction beyond side street yard line on corner lot.
• Corner Side Yard – Corner side yard and overlapping corner side or rear yard fence allowed to 6’ in height. Must be located a minimum of 15’ from property line along public right of way.
• Barbed wire and electrically charged fencing prohibited on residential property.
• Construction side and supports for fences must face in to permit holder’s lot.
• Fencing or landscape screening must be maintained in good repair and structurally sound condition.
• Removal of neighbor fence requires signed letter of permission attached to permit.
• Yards containing swimming pools must be completely enclosed by chain link or semi solid fence at least 5’ in height with a self-latching gate.
• Privacy fencing requires 42” depth post holes, chain link requires 24” depth post holes.
• All fences must have a gate or opening, which cannot be locked to prevent entry of emergency services.