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McHenry County, IL Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Solid fence permit
Required
Open fence permit
Exempt
Issuing office
Planning & Development, Woodstock
Floodplain/wetland
Stormwater review may apply
Crystal Lake
Permit for any fence

Summary

Building a solid fence in unincorporated McHenry County requires a building permit from the Department of Planning & Development. Open (see-through) fences are exempt, though work near a floodplain or wetland may trigger a stormwater review or permit.

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.

Construction of solid fences requires a building permit from the Department of Planning and Development. ... Open fences are exempt from building permits, however construction in or near a floodplain or wetland area may require a stormwater review or stormwater permit.

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

Under UDO § 16.56.050H, construction of a solid fence requires a building permit from the McHenry County Department of Planning & Development (2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock). Open fences are exempt from building permits, but a fence built in or near a floodplain or wetland may require a stormwater review or stormwater permit under the McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance. Municipalities have their own permit systems: Crystal Lake requires a permit for any fence, submitted with a plat of survey. Confirm which jurisdiction applies before starting work.

Violations & Fines

Installing a solid fence without the required permit is a zoning violation enforceable by Planning & Development; the county can require a stop-work, after-the-fact permitting, or removal, plus fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to build a fence?
In unincorporated McHenry County, yes for a solid fence (privacy fence). Open fences that you can see through by 50% or more are exempt from a building permit.
What if my fence is near water?
Even an exempt open fence may need a stormwater review or permit if it is in or near a floodplain or wetland, under the county Stormwater Management Ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in McHenry County

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsNeighbor Fence RulesSome 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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