Fencing Requirements: Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Evanston.
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 →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston requires a minimum 48-inch (4-foot) high barrier around all residential swimming pools, including above-ground pools. Fencing must have self-closing, self-latching gates with latches at least 54 inches above grade. The city follows the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code barrier standards. Pool barriers must be in place before the pool is filled with water.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Minimum Height | - | 48 inches (4 feet) |
| Gate Latch Height | - | 54 inches minimum above grade |
| Gate Type | - | Self-closing, self-latching |
| Max Opening | - | 4 inches between fence elements |
| Barrier Before Fill | - | Required before pool is filled |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Evanston FAQ
How tall does my pool fence need to be in Evanston?
Pool barriers must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) high measured from the exterior side. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade on the pool side.
Does my above-ground pool need a fence?
If the pool wall is at least 48 inches high, the wall itself can serve as part of the barrier. However, access ladders must have a lockable barrier or be removable when the pool is not in use. If the pool wall is less than 48 inches, a separate fence is required.
Can I use a pool cover instead of a fence?
No. Pool covers do not satisfy the barrier requirement under Evanston's building code. A permanent fence or barrier meeting the 48-inch height and self-closing gate requirements must be installed regardless of whether the pool has a cover.
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