Height Limits: Elmhurst vs Naperville
How do height limits rules compare between Elmhurst, IL and Naperville, IL?
Naperville has fewer restrictions than Elmhurst.
Elmhurst, IL
DuPage County
In unincorporated DuPage County, residential fences may rise to 4 feet 6 inches in the front yard (and must be at least 50% open) and to 6 feet 6 inches in side and rear yards. The finished side must face outward, fences must be set back at least 3 inches from all property lines, and a county fence permit is required before installation.
View full Elmhurst rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Naperville limits residential fences to 6 feet in height under Title 6, Section 6-2-15. Fences along major arterial roadways may be up to 9 feet. Front yard fences extending past the front facade may not exceed 3 feet. Corner lot visibility requirements apply.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Elmhurst | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Max Height | - | 6 feet residential |
| Arterial Roads | - | Up to 9 feet |
| Front Yard | - | 3 feet maximum |
| Code | - | §6-2-15 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Elmhurst FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in unincorporated DuPage County?
Up to 6 feet 6 inches in side and rear yards on a single-family residential lot, under DuPage County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 37-407. The finished side of the fence must face the neighbor or the road right-of-way, and the fence must be set back at least 3 inches from each property line.
What about a fence along the street in front of my house?
Front-yard fences are capped at 4 feet 6 inches and must be at least 50% open (e.g. picket, split-rail, or open-style metal), per Sec. 37-407. Solid privacy fences are not allowed in the front yard. Corner-lot owners should check both street frontages because corner side yards typically follow the front-yard standard.
Do I need a permit to build a fence in DuPage County?
Yes. The DuPage County Building & Zoning Department requires a fence permit before installation in unincorporated areas. Apply online through the Accela Citizen Access portal (aca-prod.accela.com/DUPAGE) with a sealed Plat of Survey and a construction plan. Inside cities and villages within DuPage, follow the local municipal permit process instead.
Naperville FAQ
How tall can a fence be in Naperville?
Standard residential fences are limited to 6 feet. Fences along major arterial roadways may be up to 9 feet. Fences in front of the main structure are limited to 3 feet.
Can I build a tall fence in my front yard?
No. Solid fences extending in front of the main structure are limited to 3 feet in height to maintain visibility and neighborhood character.
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