Fence Regulations in Cook County, IL (2026)

7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Cook County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cook County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Height Limits

Cook County Zoning Ordinance limits fences in front yards and corner side yards to 3 feet maximum. Rear and interior side yard fences may be taller. Commercial/industrial districts allow up to 10 feet along common lot lines.

Cook County Fence Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Cook County Department of Building and Zoning - Fence Permit Requirements (Rev. 08/21/2019)

In residential districts, the maximum allowable height of a fence along a common lot line is 6-feet. Fences in front yards and corner side yard setback zones cannot be taller 3-feet. Your zoning district and front and corner side yard setbacks can be found under the Zoning Ordinance Administration tab on the Cook County Building and Zoning Website. In commercial and industrial districts, the ma...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Permit Requirements

Cook County requires a permit for ALL fences in unincorporated areas, regardless of material or height. Permits are obtained through the Department of Building and Zoning ePermit system. No fence may be constructed without prior approval.

Cook County Fence Permits

Heavy Restrictions

Cook County Department of Building and Zoning - Fence Permit Requirements (Rev. 08/21/2019)

A permit is required for all unincorporated properties for fences constructed of any material at any height. Complete the application in its entirety where applicable. Be sure to print your name, address, email, phone number and include the property index number (PIN). Submit a Plat of Survey signed and sealed by an Illinois registered surveyor that is not more than five (5) years old. Indicate...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Neighbor Fence Rules

Cook County follows Illinois common law regarding shared boundary fences. Illinois does not have a mandatory fence-sharing statute. Both neighbors may build on their own side of the property line. Permits required regardless.

Cook County Neighbor Fence Rules

Some Restrictions

Cook County Department of Building and Zoning - Fence Permit Requirements (Rev. 08/21/2019)

State that the finished side of the fence will face out from the subject property. The poles, supports and braces must be on the owner's side of the property so that the finished side faces the neighbors and public streets.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls in unincorporated Cook County over 4 feet in height require a building permit from the Department of Building and Zoning. Walls 4 feet or under that do not support a surcharge or impound liquids are exempt. The Cook County Site Engineering Guidance governs grading and drainage requirements.

Cook County Retaining Wall Regulations

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Pool Barriers

Cook County requires pool barrier fencing for all residential swimming pools. In-ground pools require fencing per the adopted International Residential Code. Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep also require barriers. Health Department approval is mandatory.

Cook County Pool Barrier Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fence Requirements

All fences in unincorporated Cook County require a permit regardless of height or material. Fences must comply with zoning setbacks, visibility requirements at corners, and maintenance standards. Building and Zoning reviews all applications.

Cook County General Fence Requirements

Some Restrictions

Cook County Department of Building and Zoning - Fence Permit Requirements (Rev. 08/21/2019)

Indicate on the Survey: the height from grade to top of the fence; the length of the fence; the description of the fence (cedar, chain-link, vinyl, etc.); location and size of any gates (show which direction the gate will swing); state that the finished side of the fence will face out from the subject property; state whether this fence will be used to enclose a swimming pool or any body of wate...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Material Restrictions

Cook County Zoning Ordinance permits fences of wood, plastic, metal, wire mesh, masonry, and similar materials. Barbed wire and electric fencing are restricted in residential zones. All materials require permit review.