Bloomington, IL Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard (residential)
- 4 feet max
- Side/rear yard (residential)
- 6 feet max
- Corner-lot secondary front yard
- 6 feet max
- Fence over 4 ft in secondary yard
- needs 3-ft setback
- Agricultural districts
- 8 feet max
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, residential fences are capped at 4 feet in a required front yard and 6 feet in a side, rear or corner-lot secondary front yard under Table 910 of Code § 44-910, and fences over 4 feet in a secondary front yard need a 3-foot setback.
B. Fence height. (1) The fence height shall be measured from the established grade on the fence owner's property to the topmost section of said fence. (2) Fences in required yards are limited in height; see Table § 44-910C. Fences outside required yards are limited to the height of accessory structures in the zoning district in which they are located; see Table § 44-908D(2). (3) On Residential District corner lots, in the required secondary front yard behind the rear face of the principal structure closest to the street, fences are allowed to extend up to six feet in height; see Diagram 910. If increased above four feet in height, a minimum setback of three feet from the front property line shall be provided. ... ... D. Maximum fence height in required yards. Table 910: Maximum Permitted Fence Height Districts Required Front yard Required Side Yard Required Rear Yard Any Location No Fence Taller Than ... Residential Districts 4 feet 6 feet 6 feet 6 feet
Full Breakdown
Bloomington City Code § 44-910B and Table 910 set fence height by district and yard. Fence height is measured from the established grade on the fence owner's own property up to the topmost point of the fence. In residential districts, Table 910 caps a fence in the required front yard at 4 feet, and at 6 feet in the required side yard, required rear yard, or anywhere else on the lot; agricultural and public interest districts allow 8 feet outside the front yard, and business districts allow 8 feet in the side, rear and any other location while still holding front yards to 4 feet.
On a residential corner lot, the secondary front yard behind the rear face of the house can hold a fence up to 6 feet, but any fence there taller than 4 feet needs a 3-foot setback from the front property line, and any fence in a front or secondary front yard must stay at least 50% transparent and still respect the clear sight triangle in § 44-909. Fences outside a required yard follow the height limit for accessory structures in the applicable district instead of Table 910.
Along an interstate, arterial road or railroad right-of-way, the Zoning Administrator may approve a fence taller than Table 910 allows, up to a hard cap of 8 feet.
Violations & Fines
A fence built taller than Table 910 allows for its yard and district, or one in a front or secondary front yard that is less than 50% transparent or blocks the clear sight triangle, is a Code violation the Development Services Department can require the owner to cut down or remove. Where the Code does not set a specific fine, § 1-106's general penalty of $50 to $500 per day applies, with each day the violation continues a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front yard fence be in Bloomington?
Can I build a 6-foot fence in my backyard?
What is the rule for fences on a corner lot in Bloomington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
How Bloomington compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Bloomington to another location·View the Illinois fence regulations overview
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