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

If you live in Bolingbrook or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Bolingbrook has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Permit Requirements

Bolingbrook requires a permit for all fence projects. The fee is $40. Applicants must submit a plat of survey with the proposed fence drawn on it. If the home is in an HOA, HOA permission for the design must accompany the application. Contractors must be registered with the Village of Bolingbrook.

Key details: Permit Fee: $40. Required Docs: Plat of survey with fence location. HOA: Permission letter required if applicable. Contractors: Must be registered with Village.

Building a fence requiring a permit without one results in a stop-work order and a double permit fee plus a $100 administrative penalty. Non-conforming fences must be brought into compliance or removed.

Height Limits

Bolingbrook allows fences up to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lot side yards follow front yard rules unless the fence is set back 10 feet from the property line, where 6-foot height is allowed. A 15-foot sight line triangle must be observed at intersecting streets with no fencing in that area.

Key details: Front Yard: 4 ft maximum. Side/Rear Yard: 6 ft maximum. Corner Lot: Front yard rules unless 10 ft setback (then 6 ft). Sight Triangle: 15 ft — no fencing allowed.

Fences exceeding height limits receive a notice to comply with a 30-day correction deadline. Failure to comply carries fines of $50–$200 per day until the fence is brought into compliance.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Bolingbrook fence regulations require that double frontage lot rear fences abutting a street be set back 5 feet with a gate, and the area between fence and lot line must be landscaped. Ornamental fencing is required on corner lots. Illinois Fence Act (765 ILCS 130) governs agricultural boundary fence cost-sharing but does not apply to residential fences.

Key details: Double Frontage: 5 ft setback + gate + landscaping. Corner Lots: Ornamental fencing required. State Law: 765 ILCS 130 — agricultural only. Drainage: Fences must not obstruct easement drainage.

Encroachment onto neighboring property is a civil trespass matter. Bolingbrook does not enforce fence cost-sharing disputes. Code enforcement addresses only height, setback, and material violations.

The Bottom Line

Bolingbrook's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bolingbrook is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Bolingbrook 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.