Fencing Requirements: Arlington Heights vs Des Plaines
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Arlington Heights.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Arlington Heights requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 5 feet in height. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade. The barrier must completely prevent uncontrolled access to the pool area, particularly by young children.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Illinois law (65 ILCS 5/11-30-9) empowers the Des Plaines City Council to require fences around, or protective covers over, private residential swimming pools, and the City enforces residential pool barrier requirements through the International Residential Code adopted in Title 10 of the City Code.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 5 feet | - |
| Gate Latch Height | 54 inches minimum | - |
| Self-Closing Gates | Required | - |
| Maximum Gap Size | 4 inches | - |
| Pool Cover as Substitute | Not accepted | - |
| State Authority | - | 65 ILCS 5/11-30-9 |
| City Code | - | Des Plaines Title 10, Ch. 2 (IRC + Appendix G) |
| Pending State Min. | - | 42 in (HB2495, not yet law) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
How tall must a pool fence be in Arlington Heights?
Pool fences must be at least 5 feet tall measured from the outside finished grade. The barrier must completely enclose the pool area with no gaps larger than 4 inches.
Can my house wall serve as part of the pool fence?
Yes, but all doors from the house that open directly to the pool area must be equipped with self-closing devices and audible alarms that sound when the door is opened.
Do pool fence gates need to be self-closing?
Yes. All gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Latches must be at least 54 inches above grade on the pool side, or the gate must have a key lock or combination lock.
Des Plaines FAQ
Does Des Plaines require a fence around my backyard pool?
Yes. Illinois law (65 ILCS 5/11-30-9) lets the City require fences or protective covers over residential in-ground pools, and Des Plaines enforces a barrier requirement through the International Residential Code (Appendix G) adopted in Title 10 of the City Code.
Is there a statewide 42-inch pool fence rule in Illinois?
Not yet. The Private Swimming Pool Enclosure Act ('Zoe's Law,' HB2495) would set a 42-inch minimum statewide, but as of 2026 it is still a pending bill in the General Assembly, not enacted law.
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