In unincorporated McHenry County, barbed wire and aboveground electrical fences are prohibited, except to contain farm animals, in the B-3/I-1/I-2 districts when mounted at least six feet up, or as otherwise allowed by the UDO.
UDO § 16.56.050H.1.c restricts fence materials in unincorporated McHenry County. The use of barbed wire or aboveground electrical fences is prohibited, with three exceptions: (1) for containing farm animals; (2) on properties in the B-3, I-1, or I-2 districts, provided the barbed wire or electric element is mounted at least six feet above ground; and (3) as otherwise allowed by the Ordinance. This reflects the county's rural/agricultural character while keeping such fencing out of typical residential yards. Cities may be stricter, banning barbed and electric fencing outright in residential zones, so confirm your municipality's code.
An unauthorized barbed-wire or electric fence in a residential setting is a zoning violation; the county can order removal and impose fines for continued non-compliance under Title 16.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how McHenry County's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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