Approved Materials: Elmhurst vs Naperville
How do approved materials rules compare between Elmhurst, IL and Naperville, IL?
Elmhurst and Naperville have similar restriction levels.
Elmhurst, IL
DuPage County
DuPage County Zoning Ordinance §37-407 regulates fence construction on single-family lots in unincorporated areas by yard location. Front-yard fences must be at least 50% open (no solid front-yard fencing) and capped at 4'6". Side and rear fences may be 100% solid and up to 6'6". The finished (good) side must face outward, all fences must sit at least 3" from property lines, and fence sections in drainage easements must be 3"–4" above existing grade so neighbor drainage is not impaired.
View full Elmhurst rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
DuPage County Zoning Ordinance §37-407 regulates fence construction on single-family lots in unincorporated areas by yard location. Front-yard fences must be at least 50% open (no solid front-yard fencing) and capped at 4'6". Side and rear fences may be 100% solid and up to 6'6". The finished (good) side must face outward, all fences must sit at least 3" from property lines, and fence sections in drainage easements must be 3"–4" above existing grade so neighbor drainage is not impaired.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Elmhurst | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Elmhurst FAQ
What fence height is allowed in unincorporated DuPage County?
Front-yard fences are capped at 4 feet 6 inches and must be at least 50% open. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet 6 inches tall and 100% solid. These limits come from DuPage County Zoning Ordinance §37-407.
Can I put a solid privacy fence in my front yard in DuPage County?
No. Front-yard fences must be at least 50% open under §37-407 — picket, split-rail, ornamental metal, or other see-through styles are required. Solid privacy fencing is allowed only in side and rear yards, where it may be 100% enclosed up to 6'6".
Which side of my fence has to face my neighbor?
The finished (good) side must face outward — toward the adjacent property or the road right-of-way — in every DuPage County zoning district. Posts, rails, and the framework face your own yard. This applies regardless of fence material.
How close to the property line can I install my fence?
Zoning §37-407 requires fences to be set back a minimum of 3 inches from every property line. If the fence sits in a drainage or utility easement, it must also stand 3"–4" above existing grade so it does not block water flow, and a notarized Drainage Easement Agreement is required.
Do I need to call JULIE before installing fence posts?
Yes. Illinois law (220 ILCS 50, the Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act) requires contacting JULIE at 1-800-892-0123 at least 48 hours before any digging — including fence-post excavation — so utility locators can mark gas, electric, telecom, and water lines.
Naperville FAQ
What fence height is allowed in unincorporated DuPage County?
Front-yard fences are capped at 4 feet 6 inches and must be at least 50% open. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet 6 inches tall and 100% solid. These limits come from DuPage County Zoning Ordinance §37-407.
Can I put a solid privacy fence in my front yard in DuPage County?
No. Front-yard fences must be at least 50% open under §37-407 — picket, split-rail, ornamental metal, or other see-through styles are required. Solid privacy fencing is allowed only in side and rear yards, where it may be 100% enclosed up to 6'6".
Which side of my fence has to face my neighbor?
The finished (good) side must face outward — toward the adjacent property or the road right-of-way — in every DuPage County zoning district. Posts, rails, and the framework face your own yard. This applies regardless of fence material.
How close to the property line can I install my fence?
Zoning §37-407 requires fences to be set back a minimum of 3 inches from every property line. If the fence sits in a drainage or utility easement, it must also stand 3"–4" above existing grade so it does not block water flow, and a notarized Drainage Easement Agreement is required.
Do I need to call JULIE before installing fence posts?
Yes. Illinois law (220 ILCS 50, the Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act) requires contacting JULIE at 1-800-892-0123 at least 48 hours before any digging — including fence-post excavation — so utility locators can mark gas, electric, telecom, and water lines.
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