Peoria has two parallel zoning regimes: the conventional Zoning Ordinance in Peoria Code Appendix B (Articles 6 through 8) applies to most of the City, and the Unified Development Code in Peoria Code Appendix A (the Heart of Peoria Land Development Code) applies to the downtown and adjacent form-based-code area. Front, side, and rear yard setbacks vary by district. Typical conventional R-1 (low density residential) standards are a 25-30 ft front yard, 8-10 ft side yard, and 25 ft rear yard, while the Heart of Peoria form-based code uses build-to lines and 0-foot urban side setbacks in mixed-use blocks.
Peoria's two-track zoning system reflects the City's 2008 Heart of Peoria reform: most residential and suburban areas remain under the conventional Zoning Ordinance (Appendix B, originally adopted 1955 and substantially amended), while the older urban core operates under the form-based Unified Development Code (Appendix A). Appendix B Article 6 (Zoning Districts) establishes use districts including R-1 (Low Density Single Family), R-2 (Single Family), R-3 (Two Family), R-4 (Multi Family), R-5 (High Density), R-6 (Single Family), R-7 (Multi Family Estate), R-8 (Mobile Home Park), B-1 through B-4 (commercial), and several industrial classifications. Each district has its own bulk and yard regulations in Article 7 (Bulk Regulations) and Article 8 (Use Regulations). Typical R-1 standards (single-family low-density) are a front yard setback of 25-30 feet (or the average of adjacent existing front yards on the block), an interior side yard of 8-10 feet, a corner side yard of 15-20 feet, and a rear yard of 25 feet, with a minimum lot area of 9,000-12,000 sq ft. R-4 multifamily setbacks are smaller. Appendix A (Heart of Peoria UDC) uses a build-to line and frontage standards rather than yard setbacks, so structures often must be built within 0-10 feet of the street with parking/service moved to the rear. Accessory structures (garages, sheds, ADUs) have separate reduced setbacks under both regimes β typically 3-5 feet from side and rear lot lines, but must remain behind the principal building's front line. Variances require a hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals; staff administrative adjustments are available for minor deviations under Appendix B Article 19.
Constructing within a required setback without a variance violates Appendix B (or A) and triggers stop-work orders, daily fines typically $100-$500 per offense, and either a forced demolition/relocation or a variance application after the fact (no guarantee of approval). Existing legal-nonconforming setbacks are protected as long as they predate the current ordinance; expanding or rebuilding triggers compliance with current standards. Permits for additions are reviewed for setback compliance by the Peoria Planning and Zoning Division.
Peoria, IL
Peoria adopts the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) through Chapter 5 (Buildings). IPMC Section 303.2 (Enclosures) requires private swimming poo...
Peoria, IL
Peoria's Appendix B (Zoning Ordinance) regulates fence material and finish standards in residential districts. Barbed wire and electrified fences are restric...
Peoria, IL
Illinois has no statewide 'good neighbor' fence cost-sharing statute, and Peoria does not require neighbor consent before installing a boundary fence. The Il...
Peoria, IL
Peoria requires a Fence Permit from the Building Safety Division (419 Fulton Street, Room 203, 309-494-8600) before installing most residential fences. Appli...
Peoria, IL
Peoria regulates residential fence heights through Appendix B (Zoning Ordinance) of the Code of Ordinances. Typical residential standards limit fences in fro...
Peoria, IL
Peoria's Code of Ordinances Chapter 5 (Animals) does not impose a specific numerical cap on dogs or cats per household, but excessive numbers that result in ...
See how Peoria's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.