Fence Requirements: Aurora vs Elgin
How do fence requirements rules compare between Aurora, IL and Elgin, IL?
Aurora and Elgin have similar restriction levels.
Aurora, IL
Kane County
Aurora limits residential fences to a maximum height of 6 feet (including posts and end caps), restricts fences within 15 feet of intersecting property lines at public streets, walks, driveways, bike paths, or walking paths to 3 feet for sight-triangle visibility, prohibits chain link in any front yard or along a public right-of-way, and requires a fence permit from the City Building & Permits Division (630-256-3130) before installation, with at least a 1-foot setback from any public sidewalk.
View full Aurora rules →Elgin, IL
Kane County
Elgin caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards and limits front-yard fences to 3 feet (solid) or 4 feet (open design). Chain link is prohibited in front yards. A building permit ($65) and a plat of survey are required before installation; posts and supports must face the interior side, and gaps at the bottom may not exceed 6 inches. Properties in an Elgin Historic District also need a Certificate of Appropriateness.
View full Elgin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Aurora | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes | Yes ($65 fee) |
| Max Height | 6 ft (8 ft screening) | - |
| Sight Triangle | 3 ft within 15 ft | - |
| Sidewalk Setback | Min 1 ft | - |
| Building & Permits | (630) 256-3130 | - |
| Side/Rear Max | - | 6 ft |
| Front Solid / Open | - | 3 ft / 4 ft |
| Chain Link in Front | - | Prohibited |
| Building Dept | - | (847) 931-5920 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Aurora FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Aurora, IL?
Yes. Aurora requires a fence permit from the City Building & Permits Division (630-256-3130) before installing or replacing a fence. The application must include a current plat of survey with fence heights and locations drawn to scale. Fences adjacent to a public sidewalk must also be set back at least 1 foot from the sidewalk and may not encroach on the public right-of-way, FEMA floodways, drainage swales, or utility easements without written permission.
How tall can a residential fence be in Aurora?
Up to 6 feet, including posts and end caps, in side and rear yards. Fences within 15 feet of intersecting property lines at public streets, walks, driveways, bike paths, or walking paths cannot exceed 3 feet for sight-triangle visibility. Chain link is prohibited in any front yard or along a public right-of-way, and 8-foot height is generally only allowed for commercial screening uses.
Elgin FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Elgin, IL?
Yes. A building permit is required before installing or replacing a fence in Elgin; the standard fence permit fee is $65. The application must include a plat of survey showing existing improvements and the proposed fence's height, location, and materials. A final inspection is required after construction. Properties inside an Elgin Historic District must also obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Heritage Commission, (847) 931-6004, before a permit is issued. Apply through the Building Department at 150 Dexter Court, (847) 931-5920.
How tall can a residential fence be in Elgin?
Up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, including any bottom gap (which itself cannot exceed 6 inches). Front-yard fences are capped at 3 feet for solid designs and 4 feet for open designs such as picket or ornamental iron. Any fence adjacent to a street is treated as a front-yard fence and may not obstruct sight lines at intersections or driveways. Chain link is prohibited in any front yard, and posts and supports must face the interior side of the property.
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