Skokie, IL Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Neighbor Consent
- Not required
- Property Line
- Fence must be entirely on owner's side
- Finished Side
- Must face neighbor
- Survey
- Strongly recommended
- Disputes
- Civil matter, not village-enforced
Summary
Skokie does not require neighbor consent for a fence, but fences must be entirely on the owner's property with the finished side facing outward. Property line disputes are civil matters between neighbors, not enforced by the village.
14) Sec. 14. If any person is disposed to remove a division fence, or part thereof, owned by him or her, and allow his or her lands to be uncultivated and not used for pasture purposes, after having first given the adjoining owner one year's notice, in writing, of his or her intention so to do and having received such adjoining owner's permission, he or she may, at any time thereafter, remove the same, unless such adjoining owner shall previously cause the value of the fence to be ascertained by fence viewers, selected as hereinbefore provided, and pay or tender the same to such pers
Full Breakdown
Under Skokie's fence ordinance, a property owner may build a fence without the neighbor's consent, but the fence must be placed entirely on the owner's side of the property line. The village strongly recommends a current plat of survey be used to locate property lines before construction. The finished side of the fence (the side without exposed posts and rails) must face the neighboring property. Boundary disputes, shared fence maintenance, and encroachment issues are private civil matters: the Village of Skokie does not adjudicate property line disagreements. Illinois's Adjoining Landowners Act (765 ILCS 130/) provides default rules for shared fence costs between agricultural properties but does not typically apply to urban residential fences. Contact a licensed surveyor or attorney for disputes.
Violations & Fines
Fences built across property lines may be subject to civil action by the affected neighbor. The village may require removal if code violations exist. Fines for code violations range from $50 to $500 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my neighbor's permission to build a fence in Skokie?
Which side of the fence faces the neighbor in Skokie?
What if my neighbor built a fence on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Skokie
Compare Skokie to another location·View the Illinois fence regulations overview
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How other cities in Cook County handle neighbor fence rules.