Material Restrictions: Bolingbrook vs Joliet
How do material restrictions rules compare between Bolingbrook, IL and Joliet, IL?
Bolingbrook and Joliet have similar restriction levels.
Bolingbrook, IL
Will County
Will County Land Use Ordinance and municipal zoning codes permit wood, vinyl, wrought iron, aluminum, and chain-link fencing residentially. Barbed wire and electric fencing are restricted to agricultural zones under county Land Use Ordinance. HOAs in Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and Naperville areas often prohibit chain-link.
View full Bolingbrook rules →Joliet, IL
Will County
Joliet requires all fences to conform to city ordinances and building codes under Section 8-176. Detached accessory structures over 200 sq ft must complement the principal structure in material and colors. The International Building Code as adopted by Joliet governs structural requirements.
View full Joliet rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bolingbrook | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| County Code | Will County LUO Article 9 | - |
| Allowed Residential | Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain-link | - |
| Barbed Wire | Agricultural/industrial only | - |
| Finished Side | Must face neighbor/street | - |
| Frost Depth | 42 inches for posts | - |
| Code Section | - | Sec. 8-176, Sec. 8-175 |
| Building Code | - | IBC 2015 / IRC adopted |
| Complementary | - | Structures >200 sq ft |
| Enforcement | - | Must conform or be removed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bolingbrook FAQ
Is electric fencing legal in unincorporated Will County?
Only in agricultural (A-1/A-2) zones for livestock containment. Residential electric fencing is prohibited under the Land Use Ordinance.
Can my HOA ban chain-link if the city allows it?
Yes. HOA CC&Rs enforceable under 765 ILCS 160 (Common Interest Community Association Act) may impose stricter material rules than local zoning.
Joliet FAQ
Can I use any material for a fence in Joliet?
Fences must comply with the International Building Code as adopted by the city. Materials must be structurally sound and safe. HOAs may impose additional restrictions.
Is barbed wire allowed on residential fences in Joliet?
Barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fencing are generally restricted in residential zones under building code safety provisions. Check with the Building Inspectional Services Division.
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