Before You Build in Arlington Heights, IL: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Arlington Heights requires pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Pool barriers must comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted by the village.

Arlington Heights requires a permit for fence installation or replacement. A plat of survey showing the proposed fence location is typically required as part of the application. Permit fees are modest.

Arlington Heights follows Illinois state law regarding shared boundary fences. There is no village ordinance requiring neighbors to share fence costs. Fences must be built within property lines, and the finished side must face outward.

Arlington Heights requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height. Walls over 4 feet typically require engineered plans. Retaining walls must be designed to handle drainage and soil loads without affecting neighboring properties.

Arlington Heights limits fence heights based on yard location. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet, while side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Corner lots have additional visibility triangle requirements.

Arlington Heights enforces safety regulations for residential swimming pools including required barrier fencing, electrical bonding and grounding of pool equipment, proper drainage to prevent flooding of adjacent properties, and compliance with Cook County Health Department water quality standards. Pool owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions at all times.

Arlington Heights requires a building permit for all in-ground and above-ground swimming pool installations. Applications must include a site plan showing setbacks, fencing, and drainage. Electrical work for pool equipment requires a separate electrical permit. Inspections are mandatory before the pool may be filled and used.

Hot tubs and spas in Arlington Heights require a building permit and electrical permit. They must meet setback requirements, have GFCI-protected electrical connections, and be equipped with a locking safety cover. Hot tubs do not require the same barrier fencing as swimming pools if they have a compliant locking cover.

Above-ground swimming pools in Arlington Heights require a building permit and must meet the same fencing and safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pools must maintain setbacks from property lines and may not be placed in front yards. Inflatable pools under 24 inches deep are generally exempt from permit requirements but must still comply with water drainage rules.

Arlington Heights requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 5 feet in height. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade. The barrier must completely prevent uncontrolled access to the pool area, particularly by young children.

Arlington Heights does not currently permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a by-right use in most residential zoning districts. The Village's zoning ordinance generally limits residential lots to one principal dwelling. Coach houses or secondary units may be possible through a special use permit or planned development process, but approval is not guaranteed and requires public hearings.

Converting a garage to living space in Arlington Heights is heavily restricted. The Village zoning ordinance requires residential properties to maintain a minimum number of enclosed parking spaces. Converting a garage to habitable space typically requires providing replacement off-street parking and obtaining building permits for the conversion.

Arlington Heights does not permit tiny homes as independent dwelling units on residential lots. The Village zoning ordinance establishes minimum dwelling size requirements and does not recognize tiny homes on wheels as permanent structures. Tiny homes on foundations would need to meet all building code and zoning requirements including minimum square footage.

Carports in Arlington Heights are treated as accessory structures and require a building permit. They must meet setback requirements and height limits. Carports do not satisfy the Village's requirement for enclosed parking spaces, so they cannot replace a garage for zoning compliance purposes.

Arlington Heights allows accessory storage sheds on residential property subject to size limits, setback requirements, and permit thresholds. Sheds under 100 square feet generally do not require a building permit but must still comply with setback and height restrictions. Larger sheds require a permit. Sheds may not be used as habitable space.

Arlington Heights Fire Prevention Bureau regulates outdoor fire pits under the village's fire code. Portable and permanent fire pits are allowed in residential backyards with conditions including setback distances from structures, fuel type restrictions, and size limits. Open burning is generally prohibited, but contained recreational fires in approved fire pits are permitted. Arlington Heights Fire Department at (847) 368-5230 enforces fire pit regulations.

Arlington Heights prohibits open burning within village limits. Outdoor fires are restricted to approved recreational fire devices such as portable fire pits and charcoal grills. Open burning of leaves, yard waste, and trash is banned year-round.

Arlington Heights requires property owners to maintain trees on their property so branches do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. The Village's Forestry Division manages public parkway trees and has authority over trimming and removal of trees in the public right-of-way. Residents may not trim or remove parkway trees without Village authorization.

Arlington Heights does not impose permanent odd/even watering schedules or year-round lawn irrigation restrictions. The Village purchases Lake Michigan water from the Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency. Temporary watering restrictions may be implemented during drought conditions or water supply emergencies. The Village encourages water conservation but does not mandate specific watering days under normal conditions.

Arlington Heights regulates the removal of trees, particularly those on public property and in the parkway. The Village's Forestry Division manages parkway tree removal and replacement. Removal of private trees generally does not require a Village permit, but significant trees on private property may be subject to review in connection with development projects. The Village does not have a formal heritage or landmark tree program.