Fence Regulations in Winnebago County, IL (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Winnebago County, Illinois.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Winnebago County caps residential fence height at 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards under the Unified Development Ordinance.
Fence Height Limits in Winnebago County
Some RestrictionsWinnebago County UDO Sec. 18.3.6.C.1
Fences located parallel to the front lot line, between the side lot line and the structure and at or behind the front building line are limited to a maximum height of six (6) feet. Fences located in front of the front building line, including fences parallel to the front and side lot lines, are limited to a maximum height of four (4) feet.
Fence Permit Requirements
Winnebago County requires a zoning permit from the Planning and Zoning Officer before erecting any fence, since a fence counts as a "structure" under the UDO's definitions and § 4.7.1 requires clearance to "erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, alter or move any building or structure." Building one without a permit exposes the owner to a Chapter 90 zoning fine starting at $75 under § 4-4(j)(6).
Winnebago County Fence Zoning Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsWinnebago County UDO § 4.7.1
4.7.1 Zoning Clearance (Permit). A zoning permit shall be obtained from the Planning and Zoning Officer before starting: a.To establish any new use of property;b.To excavate for or build any slab or foundation;c.To erect, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, alter or move any building or structure;d.To change the use of any building, structure, or land from one use to another, ore.In the case of no...
Material Restrictions
Residential fences in Winnebago County must be built from an approved list of materials, and barbed wire, razor wire, and scrap or salvage materials are left off it entirely.
Winnebago County bans barbed-wire home fences
Significant RestrictionsWinnebago County Unified Development Ordinance § 18.3.6.B.4-5
Fences shall only be constructed of the following materials: a. Treated wood or cedar. b. Simulated wood. c. Decorative brick or stone. d. Wrought-iron, or aluminum or steel designed to simulate wrought-iron. e. Coated chain link and anodized chain link. Slats are not permitted. f. Vinyl, aluminum or steel specifically crafted for fencing purposes. ... Chainlink fencing with slats or scrap meta...
Fence Regulations by City in Winnebago County
1 cities in Winnebago County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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