Fence Codes and Ordinances for Melrose Park Village, IL

Located west to the Chicago metro, the Village of Melrose Park is home to about 25,000 residents. For all residential fences installed in the village, a building permit is required. The permit fee varies. All fence contractors must be licensed in Melrose Park to do installations. In addition, all contractors must present proof of bonding and insurance. Front yard fences are allowed, but can’t exceed 4′ high. 6′ is the maximum height for backyard fencing.

• Building Permit Required? – A building permit is required for all residential fence projects in Melrose Park. Permits fees vary, inquire when applying.
• 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 license, bonding, insurance valid in village.
  • Inspector site check.
• Fence Materials Allowed – Metal, wood, vinyl PVC, others as approved.

• Fence Styles Allowed – Chain link, semi-privacy and privacy.
• Maximum Height Limits – 6′ maximum height for back and side yards; 4′ for front yards.
• Property Line Issues – Fences may be placed up to lot lines in most cases.
• Inspections Needed – Post hole inspection prior to construction. Final inspection required after construction.
• Village of Melrose Park Building Authority Contact – Community Development (708) 343-4000.
• Melrose Park Village Building Department Website.

Specific Fence Rules, Codes and Restrictions

• Front Yard Installation – Must not exceed 4′ in height. Must be ornamental metal material. Chain link fencing is not permitted in front yards. No lot zoned "A" residence district, or located in the village subdivision commonly known as Winston Park Subdivision, may have a fence located in its front yard.
• All fences must be at least one foot from a public sidewalk or right-of-way.
• No fence shall hang over the applicable property line.
• Postholes for installation of fencing must be a minimum of 36 inches below grade level.
• All fences adjacent to a public sidewalk, public alleyway or public right-of-way must be one foot away from that sidewalk or alley and on the lot.
• No sharp points are permitted on any fence, regardless of the material used or its location on the lot.

• The finished side of all fencing must face out from the lot.
• Fencing located in side or rear yards of lots may be solid or transparent.
• Privacy fencing may not be erected or installed in such a fashion as would block the view of traffic at the intersections of streets, alleys or driveways.
• In no event may barbed wire be used unless located in industrial or light manufacturing zoned areas, in extremely hazardous or dangerous locations, and only as determined by the Melrose Park building inspector.
• All contractors who install fences must be properly licensed by the village.
• The finished side of a fence must face the neighboring property.
• Applicants for a permit to construct or erect a fence must submit a plat of survey prior to the issuance of a permit.