Downers Grove, IL Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

The DuPage County Building & Zoning Department administers fence regulations for unincorporated DuPage County under Ordinance Sec. 37-407 of the County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 37) together with Chapter 8 (Building Code). For single-family residential zones, fences in the front yard are limited to 4 feet 6 inches in height and must be at least 50% open (such as picket, split-rail, or open-design wrought iron), while fences in interior side yards and rear yards may rise to 6 feet 6 inches and may be fully enclosed (solid privacy fences). The finished or "good" side of the fence must face outward toward the adjacent property or the road right-of-way, and the fence must be set back at least 3 inches from every property line. Where a fence crosses a drainage or utility easement, the bottom of the fence must remain 3 to 4 inches above existing grade so it does not impede stormwater flow. A county fence permit issued through the Accela Citizen Access portal is required before installation; applications must include a Plat of Survey showing the proposed fence with dimensions and distances to lot lines, a construction plan showing side cross-section and top view, and a trust disclosure if the property is held in trust. Contractors must be registered with the county. Inside DuPage municipalities (Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, etc.) the city or village fence code applies instead; always check the local code for properties inside city limits.