Winnebago County, IL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Approved materials
- wood, brick/stone, wrought-iron, coated chain link, vinyl
- Barbed/razor wire
- utility fences only, 7+ ft high
- Also banned
- scrap metal, plywood, building siding
- Governing chapter
- UDO Article 18, On-Site Development Standards
Summary
Residential fences in Winnebago County must be built from an approved list of materials, and barbed wire, razor wire, and scrap or salvage materials are left off it entirely.
Fences shall only be constructed of the following materials: a. Treated wood or cedar. b. Simulated wood. c. Decorative brick or stone. d. Wrought-iron, or aluminum or steel designed to simulate wrought-iron. e. Coated chain link and anodized chain link. Slats are not permitted. f. Vinyl, aluminum or steel specifically crafted for fencing purposes. ... Chainlink fencing with slats or scrap metal, salvage materials, building siding, plywood, or similar materials that are not intended for fence construction are prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64).
Full Breakdown
The county's Unified Development Ordinance limits fences to treated wood or cedar, simulated wood, decorative brick or stone, wrought-iron (or metal simulating it), coated or anodized chain link without slats, and vinyl, aluminum, or steel made specifically for fencing. Chain link with slats, scrap metal, salvage materials, building siding, and plywood are explicitly prohibited. Barbed wire and razor wire show up only in the separate rule for outdoor utility fencing, where it's allowed but must sit at least 7 feet above grade: it is not on the list of materials residential or agricultural fences may use.
Violations & Fines
Code enforcement can order a nonconforming fence brought into compliance; forcing removal or replacement of the prohibited material is the standard remedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a barbed-wire fence around my Winnebago County house?
Is plain chain link allowed around a house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
Compare Winnebago County to another location·View the Illinois fence regulations overview
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