Fence Regulations in Aurora, IL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Aurora or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Aurora has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Fence Requirements

Aurora limits residential fences to a maximum height of 6 feet (including posts and end caps), restricts fences within 15 feet of intersecting property lines at public streets, walks, driveways, bike paths, or walking paths to 3 feet for sight-triangle visibility, prohibits chain link in any front yard or along a public right-of-way, and requires a fence permit from the City Building & Permits Division (630-256-3130) before installation, with at least a 1-foot setback from any public sidewalk.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes. Max Height: 6 ft (8 ft screening). Sight Triangle: 3 ft within 15 ft. Sidewalk Setback: Min 1 ft. Building & Permits: (630) 256-3130.

Installing a fence without a City of Aurora fence permit, exceeding the 6-foot residential maximum (or 8 feet for screening), placing a fence taller than 3 feet within 15 feet of a street, walk, driveway, or bike-path intersection, using chain link in a front yard or along a public right-of-way, or encroaching on the public right-of-way, a FEMA floodway, a drainage swale, or a utility/drainage easement without written permission is enforced by the Building & Permits Division and Property Standards. The City may issue stop-work orders, require removal or after-the-fact permitting, and pursue penalties under the Code of Ordinances general penalty section, with each day of violation a separate offense.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Aurora requires the finished side of fences to face outward toward neighbors. Illinois has no residential fence cost-sharing law. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. The agricultural boundary line fence law (765 ILCS 130) does not apply to residential areas.

Key details: Finished Side: Must face neighbor. Cost Sharing: No IL law requires it. Property Line: Fence must be within yours. IL Fence Law: 765 ILCS 130 (ag only).

Fence on wrong property: removal required. Finished side facing inward: code violation and modification order.

Retaining Walls

Aurora requires building permits for retaining walls. Walls exceeding 4 feet require engineering plans. Drainage must be addressed to prevent water damage to neighboring properties. Fox River corridor properties have additional requirements.

Key details: Permit: Required. Engineering: Required over 4 feet. Drainage: Must be addressed. Fox River: Additional requirements.

Unpermitted wall: stop-work order and fine. Failed wall causing drainage issues: code violation and repair order.

Height Limits

Aurora allows up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and 42 inches (3.5 feet) in front yards under UDO §4.7.9. Corner lots have 3-foot limits unless set back 5 feet from the property line. Maximum fence height is 9 feet citywide.

Key details: Front Yard: 42 inches max. Side/Rear: 6 feet max. Corner Lot: 3 ft (or 5 ft setback). Max Overall: 9 feet citywide. Code: UDO §4.7.9.

Non-compliant fence: notice to remove or modify. Unpermitted construction: fine plus removal order.

Permit Requirements

Every fence in Aurora requires a permit regardless of size or location. A plat of survey with fence heights, dimensions, materials, style, and placement must be submitted. Utilities must be marked through JULIE (800-892-0123) before digging.

Key details: Permit: Required for all fences. Survey: Plat of survey required. Finished Side: Must face outward. JULIE: Call 800-892-0123 first.

Unpermitted fence: citation, fine, and potential removal order.

This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Material Restrictions

The City of Aurora regulates fence materials through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO Section 146-4.7.9). Acceptable materials include brick, stone, decorative concrete masonry, wrought iron, ornamental iron, vinyl, masonry, pressure-treated wood, wood with natural decay resistance, and chain link (with location restrictions). Electrically charged fences, barbed wire (with exceptions), concertina wire, and sharp-pointed fences in residential districts are prohibited.

Key details: Governing Code: Aurora UDO Section 146-4.7.9. Permitted Materials: Brick, stone, CMU, wrought iron, vinyl, wood, chain link. Chain Link: Prohibited in front yards and along public right-of-way. Barbed Wire: Prohibited except in Special Purpose districts and utilities. Electric Fences: Prohibited except battery-operated alarmed types.

Fences constructed with prohibited materials or in prohibited locations may be ordered removed or modified. Violations of the UDO fence regulations may result in code enforcement citations and fines.

Pool Barriers

Aurora requires a continuous barrier around all swimming pools meeting Section AG105 requirements. The barrier/fence must be completed before filling the pool with water. Doors from the home leading to the pool must have UL 2017 exit alarms.

Key details: Barrier: Required before water. Standard: AG105 requirements. Door Alarms: UL 2017 required. Pool Setback: 5 ft from property lines.

Pool without barrier: stop-work order, fine, and requirement to drain until barrier completed. Failed inspection: no pool use until corrected.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its pool barriers requirements.

The Bottom Line

Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to fence regulations. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Aurora, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Aurora can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.