Evanston limits fence heights to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards in residential districts. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle restrictions. Higher fences may be approved through a variation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Under Evanston's Zoning Ordinance (Title 6), residential fences in front yards are limited to 4 feet in height. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. On corner lots, fences within the visibility triangle (typically 15 feet from the corner along both street frontages) must not exceed 30 inches to maintain sight lines for traffic safety. Decorative elements like finials or post caps may extend up to 6 inches above the maximum height. Chain link, wood, vinyl, wrought iron, and composite materials are permitted, subject to material restriction rules. Fences on or near the property line are subject to shared-cost provisions under Illinois law. A building permit is required for fences over 4 feet. Contact Community Development at (847) 448-4311.
Fences exceeding height limits face fines of $50 to $200 and must be brought into compliance within 30 days of notice. Unpermitted fences over 4 feet must obtain a retroactive permit or be removed.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle height limits.
See how Evanston's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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