Fence Codes and Regulations for Palos Hills, IL

The CIty of Palos Hills, IL is a suburban community of 17,500 persons located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. Primarily a farming region prior to the construction of an airplane factory nearby during WWII, Palos Hills was incorporated as a city in 1958 and has grown to become a prosperous and desirable residential community within the Chicagoland Region.

• Building Permit Required? – A building permit is required for all residential fence projects in Palos Hills. Obtain current permit fee info from Building Department prior to application.
• 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 valid in village
  • Inspector site check
• Fence Materials Allowed – metal, wood, others as approved
• Fence Styles Allowed – Chain link, solid, semi-open
• Maximum Height Limits – 6’ maximum height
• Property Line Issues – Fences may be placed up to lot lines in most cases
• Palos Hills Building Authority Contact – 708-598-3400
• Palos Hills Building Department Website

Specific Fence Ordinances, Rules and Codes

• Front Yard Fences: No front yard fences permitted on any residential lot beyond the building front line.
• Side and Rear Yard Fences: 6′ maximum height
• Line of Sight Obstruction: Walls, fences and plantings and points of ingress and egress must not impair sight of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on public and private streets, sidewalks, and alleys.
• Fence Installed Next To Existing Fence: Fence installed parallel to existing fence must be no less than 3’ from existing fence, and fence owner is responsible for yard maintenance in enclosed area between fences.
• Barbed wire and electrically charged fencing prohibited on residential property
• Construction side and supports for fences must face in to permit holder’s lot
• Fences may not impede natural water drainage
• 1/3 of the height of a fencepost must be underground
• Fences must be designed to withstand 20 lbs per square foot of wind pressure
• Fence posts, supports and structures must be treated to prevent deterioration