Des Plaines, IL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Material and design standards for fences come from Des Plaines Zoning Ordinance Section 12-8-2, as set out in the City's official 'Residential Fences' and 'Permit & Inspection Guidelines: Residential Fences' handouts. The 'finished' side of the fence must face out (toward the exterior of the lot), and fence posts must face the owner's side of the fence. Front-yard fences must provide at least fifty percent (50%) open, transparent 'see-through' area of uniform distribution, so solid privacy fences are not allowed in front yards. Fences of attached homes (such as townhouses where dwelling units share a common wall) must match in height, material, type, color, and design.

A fence that encloses a yard must include at least one gate. For barbed wire and electrically charged fences, 12-8-2 permits them only in nonresidential districts, and only where the Zoning Administrator first finds the fence is necessary to protect the safety of persons or the security of property and issues a permit; where allowed, such a fence must be installed at least six feet above ground level. Illinois has no statewide residential fence-material statute, so these local standards govern; the adopted 2021 International Residential Code and International Property Maintenance Code (referenced in the City's permit guide) govern structural construction and upkeep.