Mount Prospect, IL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Fence materials in the Village of Mount Prospect are set by subsection C of § 14.318. Subsection C.1 lists what a fence can be built of: wood, chainlink, masonry, aluminum, wrought iron, composite, or similar materials. It also requires that only a smooth finished side face an abutting lot or road.

Subsection C.2 is the prohibition. It is unlawful to maintain or construct any fence composed in whole or part of barbed wire, or of any similar materials designed to cause injury to person, or any wire charged with electrical current, anywhere within the Village. The wording covers both building a new fence and maintaining an existing one. The single exception protects industrial property: barbed wire is allowed there only if it is at least six feet above the sidewalk and extends inward of the property.

Subsection C.3 adds a style rule by district. Fences used to screen outdoor storage, or mechanical or utility equipment, in commercial and industrial districts must be of solid style, built of wood, masonry, or other material subject to approval by the Director of Community Development. All other fences can be open style, except where adjacent to residential property, in which case the fence must be a solid style.

Subsection C.5 covers temporary construction, safety and silt fencing. It is permitted only as part of a construction project for which a current building permit exists, and it must be removed upon completion of the construction project.

The permit requirement in subsection A applies on top of the materials rules: no fence can be constructed, erected or replaced without a permit from the Community Development Department, and the permit is granted only if the fence complies with the Village Code.