Height Limits: Evanston vs Orland Park
How do height limits rules compare between Evanston, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Evanston and Orland Park have similar restriction levels.
Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston limits fence heights to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards in residential districts. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle restrictions. Higher fences may be approved through a variation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
View full Evanston rules →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park limits residential fences to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions. Fences over allowed heights require a variance from the Zoning Board.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Evanston | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard Max | 4 feet | 4 feet |
| Side/Rear Yard Max | 6 feet | 6 feet |
| Corner Visibility | 30 inches in sight triangle | - |
| Permit Required | Fences over 4 feet | - |
| Contact | (847) 448-4311 Community Dev | Building (708) 403-6200 |
| Corner Sight Triangle | - | 30-36 in max |
| Variance Body | - | Zoning Board of Appeals |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Evanston FAQ
How tall can a fence be in Evanston IL?
Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet. Side and rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet. Corner lots have additional 30-inch height limits in the visibility triangle near intersections.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Evanston?
Fences over 4 feet require a building permit from Community Development. Fences under 4 feet in rear or side yards generally do not require a permit.
Can I get a taller fence approved in Evanston?
Yes. You can apply for a variation from the Zoning Board of Appeals. You'll need to demonstrate a specific hardship or practical difficulty.
Orland Park FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in Orland Park?
Up to 6 feet in side and rear yards. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet and typically must be open or decorative.
Can I build an 8-foot privacy fence in Orland Park?
Not without a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Standard residential fence height is capped at 6 feet.
What about corner lots?
Corner lots have sight-triangle restrictions where fences near intersections cannot exceed roughly 30-36 inches to maintain visibility for drivers.
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