Downers Grove, IL Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

DuPage County Zoning Ordinance Section 37-407 governs fences on single-family property in unincorporated areas, and the County's Building Code (Sec. 8-128.2 — Minimum Plan Requirements) sets out the application package. Per the Building & Zoning Department's official "Fences" handout (revised 7/9/2024), property owners must file the application through the Accela Citizen Access portal and pay a non-refundable application fee that is credited toward the final permit fee. A Drainage Review fee applies, and a Health fee is added for properties on well and/or septic. The submittal must include (1) a scalable Plat of Survey with the proposed fence highlighted and marked, (2) a construction plan, and (3) a notarized Trust Disclosure form if the property is held in trust. Before the permit is issued, the applicant must also provide a Drainage Easement Agreement (signatures notarized by every owner on the deed) for any fence section in a drainage/utility easement, plus an Entrance Permit or bond receipt from the agency that maintains the abutting roadway — Township Highway Commissioner, DuPage County Department of Transportation, Illinois DOT, or the relevant municipality. A 24-hour advance inspection request is required, and permits become void after 180 days of inactivity.