St. Clair County, IL Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Illinois Fence Act 765 ILCS 130
- Cost sharing
- Each owner a just proportion
- Disputes
- Settled by town fence viewers
- County zoning
- Sets no cost-share rule
- Nature
- Civil, not criminal
Summary
St. Clair County's zoning code sets no cost-sharing rule for boundary fences. The Illinois Fence Act (765 ILCS 130) governs statewide: adjoining owners each maintain a just proportion of the division fence, and disputes go to town fence viewers.
When 2 or more persons have lands adjoining, each of them shall make and maintain a just proportion of the division fence between them.
Full Breakdown
The County Zoning Ordinance addresses fence height and placement, not who pays. Cost and maintenance of a shared boundary fence fall under the Illinois Fence Act, 765 ILCS 130/3: when two or more persons have adjoining lands, each must make and maintain a just proportion of the division fence between them. If owners disagree over their shares, the Act lets two local fence viewers mark and define each owner's portion. This state statute applies throughout St. Clair County.
Violations & Fines
This is a civil matter under the Fence Act; a neighbor who refuses their share can be compelled to pay, and fence viewers or a court may allocate costs. County zoning penalties do not apply to cost disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my neighbor have to split the fence cost?
Does the county decide fence-cost disputes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Clair County
Compare St. Clair County to another location·View the Illinois fence regulations overview
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