Aurora, IL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Wire mesh
- Prohibited as primary fence
- Barbed wire
- Banned citywide on streets/alleys
- Wood fences
- Pressure-treated or decay-resistant
- Chain link
- Top rail required
Summary
Aurora's zoning code sets approved fence materials by classification, masonry, ornamental iron, chain link, wood picket, bans wire mesh and barbed wire, and requires uniform construction.
Materials and Uniformity. Fences shall be constructed of materials customarily used and manufactured as common fence materials. Examples of common fence materials are described and illustrated in the fence classifications portion of this section. Fences shall be of uniform height, material, type, color and design, and shall be so for the extent of the entire length of fence, except where a fence transitions from one yard to another or from one height to another per the requirements of this article. Wire mesh shall not be considered a common fence material and is prohibited, however, wire mesh may be used for functional purposes such as a border for gardens when the height does not exceed three (3) feet. Wood fences shall be made of a species either pressure treated or having natural resistance to decay. Lattice used as fences shall be completely framed using uniform framing materials. Chain link fences shall include a top rail. Fences with tarps and other similar coverings secured to fence are prohibited. Removal/Replacement. If a new fence on a property is meant to replace all or part of an existing fence, the existing fence shall be completely removed prior to the installation of the new fence.
Full Breakdown
Aurora's zoning code classifies fences by material, masonry, ornamental iron, chain link, lattice, wire mesh, and wood picket, and requires fences to use materials customarily manufactured for fencing. Wire mesh is barred as a common fence material, though it may border a garden under 3 feet tall. Wood fences must be pressure-treated or naturally decay-resistant, chain link fences need a top rail, and tarps or similar coverings secured to a fence are prohibited. Barbed wire is separately banned citywide along any street, alley, or public walk under the city's general offenses chapter, with a narrow zoning exception for approved security fencing in the M-1, M-2, and ORI industrial districts.
Violations & Fines
Installing a fence made of a prohibited material, wire mesh as a primary fence, barbed wire outside the approved industrial exception, or tarp coverings, is a zoning violation subject to a compliance order and removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a wire mesh fence in Aurora, Illinois?
Is barbed wire fencing legal in Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Illinois fence regulations overview
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