Fencing Requirements: Des Plaines vs Oak Lawn
How do fencing requirements rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Oak Lawn, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Oak Lawn.
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 →Oak Lawn, IL
Cook County
Oak Lawn requires pools holding more than 24 inches of water to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high (often 5 feet) with self-closing, self-latching gates. Requirements align with the Illinois Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Act and the International Residential Code adopted by the Village.
View full Oak Lawn rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Oak Lawn |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | 4-5 feet |
| Max Opening | - | 4-inch sphere |
| Gates | - | Self-closing/latching |
| Latch Height | - | 54+ inches |
| Bottom Gap | - | Max 2 inches |
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.
Oak Lawn FAQ
How tall must a pool fence be in Oak Lawn?
At least 4 feet high, with the Village commonly requiring 5 feet. The barrier must prevent unsupervised access by children.
Do gates need to self-close?
Yes. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, open outward away from the pool, with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground.
Does an above-ground pool need a fence?
If the pool wall is at least 48 inches high and non-climbable, it may serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable or access is secured. Otherwise a separate fence is required.
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