Cook County follows Illinois common law regarding shared boundary fences. Illinois does not have a mandatory fence-sharing statute. Both neighbors may build on their own side of the property line. Permits required regardless.
Cook County follows Illinois common law regarding boundary fences between neighbors. Illinois does not have a mandatory fence-sharing statute that requires neighbors to split costs, unlike some other states. Each property owner may build a fence on their own property up to the property line. If a fence is built directly on a shared property line, both owners may share maintenance responsibility. Disputes about boundary fences are handled through civil court. The Cook County Zoning Ordinance requires permits for all fences regardless of location. Both neighbors should agree on placement before constructing a boundary fence. Property surveys may be necessary to confirm the exact property line. The 'good neighbor' principle suggests the finished side of a fence should face the neighbor.
Fence on neighbor's property without consent: civil trespass. Unpermitted fence: $100–$1,000 fine. Fence over height limit: zoning violation.
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See how Cook County's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
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