Sangamon County, IL Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential front-yard max
- 4 feet
- Residential rear/side max
- 6 feet
- Business/industrial max
- 8 feet
- Corner lots
- Also subject to Sec. 17.40.010(B)
Summary
Residential fences top out at 4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet everywhere behind it, business and industrial fences can run 8 feet, and corner-lot fences must still clear the sight-obstruction rules in Section 17.40.010(B).
In residential districts for interior lots, fences, walls, and/or hedges are allowed to a height of four (4) feet along the front property line and along the side property line between the front property line and the building setback line. Anywhere behind the required front yard, a fence, wall, and/or hedge may be placed not to exceed six (6) feet in height except that on reversed corner lots, where the rear lot line is the side lot line of the lot to the rear, a six (6) foot fence may only be constructed up to one-half the depth of the required front yard on both sides of said lot lines. Fences, walls, and hedges are subject to the restrictions on obstructions in required yards on corner lots contained in Section 17.40.010(B) of this ordinance. A clearance of three (3) inches above natural grade shall be allowed for installation purposes and shall not count in determining the height of a fence. In business and industrial districts, no fence may exceed a height of eight (8) feet above ground level. A clearance of three (3) inches above grade shall be allowed for installation purposes and shall not count in determining the height of a fence. Fences, walls and hedges are subject to the restrictions on obstructions in required yards on corner lots contained in Chapter 17.40.
Full Breakdown
Under Sangamon County Code Section 17.44.010, a residential fence, wall, or hedge on an interior lot is capped at four feet along the front property line and the side line between the front line and the building setback; behind the required front yard it can go up to six feet, with a three-inch grade clearance not counted toward height. On a reversed corner lot, a six-foot fence can only run up to half the depth of the required front yard along both lot lines. Business and industrial district fences can reach eight feet. Corner-lot fences must also meet the sight-triangle obstruction limits in Section 17.40.010(B).
Violations & Fines
A fence over 4 feet in a required front yard, over 6 feet elsewhere on a residential lot, or over 8 feet in a business or industrial district violates Section 17.44.010 and can be ordered removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a backyard fence be in unincorporated Sangamon County?
What's the fence height limit in a business district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sangamon County
How Sangamon County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Sangamon County to another location·View the Illinois fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.