Material Restrictions: Aurora vs Elgin
How do material restrictions rules compare between Aurora, IL and Elgin, IL?
Aurora and Elgin have similar restriction levels.
Aurora, IL
Kane County
The City of Aurora regulates fence materials through the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO Section 146-4.7.9). Acceptable materials include brick, stone, decorative concrete masonry, wrought iron, ornamental iron, vinyl, masonry, pressure-treated wood, wood with natural decay resistance, and chain link (with location restrictions). Electrically charged fences, barbed wire (with exceptions), concertina wire, and sharp-pointed fences in residential districts are prohibited.
View full Aurora rules →Elgin, IL
Kane County
The City of Elgin regulates fence construction through the Municipal Code (Title 19 - Zoning) and the Building Code (Title 16). All standard fence materials are permitted, including wood, ornamental aluminum and steel, PVC vinyl, and chain link, with some location-specific restrictions. No fence may be constructed without first obtaining a building permit. The finished or attractive side of the fence must face the adjoining property or street.
View full Elgin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Aurora | Elgin |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | Aurora UDO Section 146-4.7.9 | - |
| Permitted Materials | Brick, stone, CMU, wrought iron, vinyl, wood, chain link | Wood, ornamental aluminum/steel, PVC vinyl, chain link |
| Chain Link | Prohibited in front yards and along public right-of-way | - |
| Barbed Wire | Prohibited except in Special Purpose districts and utilities | - |
| Electric Fences | Prohibited except battery-operated alarmed types | - |
| Sharp Points | Prohibited in residential districts; blunt pickets allowed under 6'6" | - |
| Permit Required | - | Yes, building permit required for all fences |
| Finished Side | - | Must face adjoining property owner or street |
| Front Yard Height | - | 4 feet maximum in residential districts |
| Maximum Height | - | 7 feet for any fence |
| Setback | - | 3 feet from alleys and street right-of-way |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Aurora FAQ
What fence materials are prohibited in Aurora?
Electrically charged fences (with limited exceptions), barbed wire (except Special Purpose zones and utilities), concertina wire (except approved government facilities), and sharp-pointed fences in residential districts are all prohibited.
Can I install a chain link fence in Aurora?
Chain link is allowed in rear and interior side yards, but it is prohibited in front yards and along any public right-of-way.
Are picket fences allowed in Aurora residential areas?
Yes. Picket fences under 6 feet 6 inches in height are permitted if the tops are sawed or rounded to provide a blunt end. Sharp-pointed fences of any material are otherwise prohibited in residential districts.
Elgin FAQ
What fence materials are allowed in Elgin?
Standard materials including wood, ornamental aluminum and steel, PVC vinyl, and chain link are allowed. Materials designed to injure (broken glass, razor wire, electrified wire) are prohibited in residential areas.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Elgin?
Yes. A building permit is required for all fence construction in Elgin. Contact the Building Department at 847-931-5920 to apply.
Which side of the fence must face my neighbor in Elgin?
The attractive or finished side of the fence must face the adjoining property owner, street, or alley. All structural posts must face the builder's own lot.
Compare other topics
See how Aurora and Elgin compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool