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McHenry County, IL Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Finished side
Must face away from your lot
Posts
Placed on inside
Location
Entirely within your lot
Right-of-way
Fencing prohibited
Authority
UDO § 16.56.050H.1

Summary

The McHenry County UDO requires the finished side of every fence to face away from your own lot, and posts must be placed on the inside. The whole fence must sit entirely within your property lines, not in the public right-of-way.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of McHenry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The finished side of all fences shall face away from the lot or parcel on which it located. All fence posts, excluding those for barbed wire fences, shall be placed on the inside of the fence.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-5: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. A25-0037, passed 8-19-2025 | State legislation current through ALS 2025 Pamphlet No. 1).

Full Breakdown

UDO § 16.56.050H.1 sets the neighbor-facing rules for unincorporated McHenry County. The finished (good) side of all fences must face away from the lot on which the fence stands, so neighbors see the finished face. All posts (except barbed-wire posts) must be on the inside. The fence, including posts, bases and structural parts, must be located completely within the boundaries of your lot; installing a fence in the public right-of-way is prohibited. Illinois has no general 'boundary fence' cost-sharing statute for private residential fences, so line-fence sharing is a private matter between neighbors unless a city ordinance says otherwise.

Violations & Fines

A fence with the finished side facing inward, or encroaching over the property line or into the right-of-way, is a zoning violation; the county can order it turned, relocated, or removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side of the fence faces my neighbor?
The finished side. UDO § 16.56.050H.1.a requires the finished side to face away from your lot, with posts on the inside, so the neighbor sees the smooth face.
Can my fence sit on the property line?
The fence and all posts must be completely within your own boundaries. You cannot place any part in the public right-of-way, and encroaching over the line invites a dispute.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in McHenry County

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsFence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsMaterial RestrictionsSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions

All McHenry County rules

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