Fence Codes and Ordinances for Park Ridge, IL

Park Ridge, located in the northwest part of the Chicago metro, is home to 38,000 residents. The city requires all homeowners and fence contractors to get a permit before installing a fence. Privacy, picket and semi-privacy styles are permitted. Because of strong winds in the area, the fence codes require that every fence must withstand a wind force of 15 lbs per square foot. 5′ is the maximum height for backyard or side-yard fences. No fences are allowed in the front yard.

• Building Permit Required? – A building permit is required for all residential fence projects in Park Ridge. Permit fee is $25 per 100 linear feet or fraction thereof.
• Permit Documents Required:
  • Building permit application form.
  • Plat of Survey – Affidavit of Survey (3 copies indicating fence location proposed).
  • Contractors List, including subcontractors if awarded.
  • Copy of proposal from fence company.
  • The proposed fence location, length, material type and height.

• Fence Materials Allowed – Treated wood, cedar or redwood; simulated wood; decorative brick/stone; wrought iron or aluminum simulated iron, coated chain link in brown, black or green color.
• Fence Styles Allowed – Chain link, privacy, picket and semi-privacy.
• Maximum Height Limits – 5′ maximum height above grade along any side, rear or corner side yard. Open fences up to 4′ permitted in corner side yards of reversed corner lots. No fences permitted in front yards. Variances possible on appeal submission to Zoning Board of appeals.
• Property Line Issues – Fences may be placed up to lot lines in most cases.
• Inspections Needed – Final inspection required after construction.
• City of Park Ridge Building Authority Contact – City of Park Ridge Building Safety Division (847) 318-5291. Note that if permit package is incomplete the Building Safety Division will not review or accept any portion of the permit application.
• Park Ridge Building Department Website.

Specific Fence Rules, Codes and Restrictions

• Barbed wire and electrically charged fencing prohibited on residential property.
• Construction side and supports for fences must face in to permit holder’s lot.
• Outward facing side of fence shall be finished.
• All posts, anchors and bracing of wood shall be treated to protect them from deteriorating when they rest upon or enter into the ground.
• Every fence shall be designed and constructed to resist and withstand a wind pressure from any angle no less than 15 pounds per square foot.
• No fence shall exceed the maximum permitted height measured at any point.
• Fences erected on top of patios, drives, parking lots and other paved areas shall be measured from the applicant’s side.
• Measurements for fences, which abut a common lot line and where a radical difference of grade occurs between the two zoning lots, shall be determined by the Building Official.