In unincorporated Lake County, residential fences may be up to 4 feet in a required front yard and up to 6 feet along side and rear property lines without a use permit. Taller fences need a minor use permit. Corner-lot front fences are limited for visibility.
The County of Lake Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 21-42, Article 42) sets fence, wall and hedge height limits for unincorporated areas. Section 42.11(a) allows fences, walls and hedges not exceeding four (4) feet in height in the required front yard (setback) of an interior lot. On a corner lot, a fence may be 3 to 4 feet in the front yard only if the portion exceeding three feet that is within fifty (50) feet of the corner property line is constructed of wire mesh, chain link or other material allowing unobstructed visibility. Section 42.11(b) allows a maximum six (6) foot high fence, wall or hedge in a required side or rear yard. Fences exceeding four feet in the front yard, or exceeding six feet along side/rear yards, may be approved only by first securing a minor use permit, which lets the County, Public Works Roads Division and fire department review traffic-safety and visibility impacts. Agricultural fences over four feet may occupy any required yard in agricultural districts if transparent above four feet (42.3(a)). Tennis-court fences of 6 to 12 feet are allowed outside the front yard with a minor use permit (42.11(d)). Heights vary by zoning district, so confirm with the Planning Division before building.
Fences over the allowed height built without the required minor use permit are zoning violations. The County's Code Enforcement Division contacts owners who have not obtained permits for fences, hedges or walls over the prescribed height and can require removal, modification, or after-the-fact permitting.
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