Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Fence Regulations in Skokie, IL (2026)

7 verified fence regulations for Skokie, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Height Limits

Skokie limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots have additional sight-line restrictions at intersections. All fences require a permit from Community Development before installation.

Skokie Fence Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Permit Requirements

All new fences and replacement fences in Skokie require a building permit from the Community Development Department. Applications must include a site plan showing fence location, height, materials, and property lines with a current plat of survey.

Skokie Fence Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Neighbor Fence Rules

Skokie does not require neighbor consent for a fence, but fences must be entirely on the owner's property with the finished side facing outward. Property line disputes are civil matters between neighbors, not enforced by the village.

Skokie Fence Neighbor and Property Line Rules

Some Restrictions

765 ILCS 130 (Illinois Adjoining Landowners Act - Partition Fences)

14) Sec. 14. If any person is disposed to remove a division fence, or part thereof, owned by him or her, and allow his or her lands to be uncultivated and not used for pasture purposes, after having first given the adjoining owner one year's notice, in writing, of his or her intention so to do and having received such adjoining owner's permission, he or she may, at any time thereafter, remove t...

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls in Skokie require a building permit when over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) or when they support a surcharge load. Engineering by a licensed Illinois structural engineer is required for taller walls.

Skokie Retaining Wall Regulations

Heavy Restrictions

Pool Barriers

Skokie requires all swimming pools and spas with water depth exceeding 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Pool barriers must meet state and international code requirements before water is added.

Skokie Swimming Pool Fence and Barrier Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Fence Requirements

Skokie requires fences to be well-maintained, plumb, and structurally sound. Fences must be constructed of approved materials, installed with the finished side facing neighbors, and kept in good repair. Deteriorated fences may be cited as property maintenance violations.

Skokie General Fence Requirements

Some Restrictions

Material Restrictions

Skokie prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences in residential districts. Chain link fencing is restricted in front yards. Improvised fencing from pallets, scrap, or non-durable materials is not permitted under the property maintenance code.

Skokie Fence Material Restrictions

Heavy Restrictions

Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Skokie city rules.

Fence Regulations in Cook County