Fence Regulations

The Village has specific regulations about residential yard fences. According to section 6-15-2 of the Village Code, there are general requirements that must be met for a fence to be considered compliant in the Village. These requirements are as follows:

• Color: All fences and screens shall be of a color which blends with the natural surroundings or is complimentary to a color used in the primary structure on the lot.

• Height: The overall standing fence height, including posts, as measured from the existing grade or ground level, may not exceed four feet ( 4'), unless the property is adjacent to a public right-of-way or a major arterial (Riverwoods Road, Half Day Road, Olde Half Day Road and Milwaukee Avenue), in which case the fence height shall then be permitted up to six feet (6'), as measured from the crown of the adjacent road.

• Materials: All fences shall be constructed of a non-metallic material and must be of the 40% open type (spacing between each picket must be at least 40% or greater than the width of the picket) with a finished side facing outward. Solid fencing is allowed for that portion of a fence that abuts a non-residential land use or arterial roadway (as defined by the Village in section 6-15-2 (A)(3)). Yard fences may also be constructed of ornamental metal, subject to the review of the Architectural Review Board. (Contact the Planning Staff for further information).

• Location: Yard fences, including underground electric fences, shall be permitted in all areas of a lot except required front and corner side yard setbacks.

Specific fence requirements for swimming pools and tennis courts are further detailed as follows:

Swimming Pool Fences
All swimming pools must be completely enclosed by a fence. The fence may not be chain link, however, metallic material (e.g. wrought iron) is acceptable and must be open type design. The fence height shall be a minimum of 5 feet and a maximum of 6 feet.

Tennis Court Fences
All tennis courts must be completely enclosed on both ends by a fence and may be enclosed on one side by a fence. Tennis court fences may be constructed of a metallic material, and chain link fences of a specific mesh gauge are acceptable. Tennis court fences may be up to 10 feet in height along the ends of the court and extend along the sides at this height for 20 linear feet. The remaining length of the fence may not exceed 4 feet in height.

Prior to the installation of any fence, you must first submit a completed Building Permit Application, as well as copies of the plans and plat of survey of the proposed fence to the Building Division in the Community Development Department.

If you have any further questions about this topic or any other property maintenance concerns, please contact the Code Enforcement Inspector, Nicole Koleno, at 847-913-2317, or nkolen@village.lincolnshire.il.us.