Permit Requirements: Elmhurst vs Naperville
How do permit requirements rules compare between Elmhurst, IL and Naperville, IL?
Naperville has fewer restrictions than Elmhurst.
Elmhurst, IL
DuPage County
In unincorporated DuPage County, the Building & Zoning Department requires a permit before installing any fence on single-family property under Zoning Ordinance Section 37-407. Applications are submitted through the Accela Citizen Access portal with a Plat of Survey, construction plan, contractor registration, and (when applicable) a Drainage Easement Agreement and Entrance Permit. No work may commence prior to permit issuance.
View full Elmhurst rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Naperville requires an $80 fence permit for all fences over 3 feet in height. Applications require a Plat of Survey showing fence placement. Call JULIE at 1-800-892-0123 at least 48 hours before digging.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Elmhurst | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Permit Fee | - | $80 |
| Threshold | - | Over 3 feet requires permit |
| JULIE | - | 1-800-892-0123 (48 hrs) |
| Application | - | Civic Access portal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Elmhurst FAQ
Do I need a permit to build a fence in unincorporated DuPage County?
Yes. Under Zoning Ordinance §37-407, every single-family fence in unincorporated DuPage County requires a permit through the Accela Citizen Access portal before any work begins. If your property lies inside an incorporated city or village (Wheaton, Naperville, Downers Grove, Lombard, etc.), apply with that municipality instead — the County does not regulate fences inside corporate limits.
What documents do I need to apply for a DuPage County fence permit?
You must submit a scalable Plat of Survey with the fence location marked with x's, a construction plan, and a Trust Disclosure form if the property is in a trust. Before issuance, you also need a Drainage Easement Agreement (if any section is in an easement), an Entrance Permit from the road authority, and proof your contractor is registered with the DuPage County Building Division.
How much does a DuPage County fence permit cost?
A non-refundable application fee is due at submittal and is credited toward the final permit fee. The total includes a Drainage Review fee, a Performance Bond (refundable after final inspection), and a Health fee if the property is on well or septic. See the County's posted Schedule of Fees for current amounts, or call Building & Zoning at 630-407-6700.
How long is a DuPage County fence permit valid?
The permit is voided automatically if work does not start within 180 days of issuance, or if more than 180 days pass between required inspections. You must request inspections with at least 24 hours' notice by calling 630-407-6700.
Naperville FAQ
Do I need a permit for a fence in Naperville?
Yes, for any fence over 3 feet in height. The permit costs $80 and requires a Plat of Survey showing the fence location. Apply through the Civic Access portal.
Do I need to call JULIE before installing a fence?
Yes. You must call JULIE at 1-800-892-0123 at least 48 hours before digging to have underground utilities marked. This is required before any fence post installation.
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