Fence Regulations in Evanston, IL (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Evanston, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Evanston limits fence heights to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards in residential districts. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle restrictions. Higher fences may be approved through a variation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Evanston Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Evanston requires a building permit for fences exceeding 4 feet in height. Permit applications require a site plan showing fence location relative to property lines and structures. The permit fee is approximately $50 to $100, and inspections may be required upon completion.
Evanston Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Evanston follows Illinois state law on boundary fences. If a fence is on or near the property line, both neighbors share maintenance responsibilities under the Illinois Fence Act. The finished side of a fence is not required to face outward by city code, though it is recommended.
Evanston Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Evanston requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall). Walls over 4 feet require engineered plans stamped by a licensed structural engineer. Smaller retaining walls may be built without a permit but must meet setback requirements.
Evanston Retaining Wall Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Evanston city rules.
Fence Regulations in Cook County →