How Romeoville Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide

Romeoville maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Romeoville falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Height Limits

Romeoville regulates fences under §159.035 of the Zoning Code. Standard residential limits follow typical Illinois patterns of 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side/rear yards. A permit is required before any fence installation, replacement, alteration, or relocation. All non-conforming fences must be brought into compliance when replaced.

Key details: Code: §159.035 — Fences, Walls, Retaining Walls. Permit: Required for all fence work. Standard: 4 ft front, 6 ft side/rear (typical IL). Non-Conforming: Must comply when replaced.

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.

Permit Requirements

Romeoville requires a permit before any fence, wall, retaining wall, or hedge is installed, replaced, altered, or moved (§159.035). Contact the Building Division at 815-886-7200 for permit applications and requirements. A plat of survey showing the proposed fence location is typically required.

Key details: Permit: Required for all fence work (§159.035). Contact: Building Division 815-886-7200. Documentation: Plat of survey typically required. Inspections: May be required before and after installation.

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.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Romeoville's fence ordinance requires that fences not inhibit drainage through ditches or easements. All non-conforming fences must be brought into compliance when replaced. Illinois Fence Act (765 ILCS 130) governs agricultural boundary fence cost-sharing but does not apply to residential fences. Disputes are resolved through civil court.

Key details: Drainage: Fences must not alter drainage patterns. Non-Conforming: Must comply when fence is replaced. State Law: 765 ILCS 130 — agricultural only. Disputes: Civil court or mediation.

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

The Bottom Line

Romeoville'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 Romeoville is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Romeoville 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.