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.
The Cook County Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 01-O-30) establishes fence height limits for unincorporated areas. Fences in front yards and corner side yard setback zones cannot exceed 3 feet in height. Rear yard and interior side yard fences may be taller, typically up to 6 feet in residential districts. In commercial and industrial districts, the maximum allowable fence height along a common lot line is 10 feet. All fences require a permit from the Department of Building and Zoning regardless of height or material. The ordinance defines a fence as a structure used as a barrier for boundary, screening, separation, privacy, protection, or confinement, constructed of wood, plastic, metal, wire mesh, masonry, or similar material.
Fence exceeding height limit: zoning violation, $100–$1,000 fine. Must apply for permit or remove/modify. 30 days to comply.
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See how Cook County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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