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

Aurora requires the finished side of fences to face outward toward neighbors. Illinois has no residential fence cost-sharing law. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. The agricultural boundary line fence law (765 ILCS 130) does not apply to residential areas.

Aurora requires building permits for retaining walls. Walls exceeding 4 feet require engineering plans. Drainage must be addressed to prevent water damage to neighboring properties. Fox River corridor properties have additional requirements.

Aurora allows up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and 42 inches (3.5 feet) in front yards under UDO §4.7.9. Corner lots have 3-foot limits unless set back 5 feet from the property line. Maximum fence height is 9 feet citywide.

Every fence in Aurora requires a permit regardless of size or location. A plat of survey with fence heights, dimensions, materials, style, and placement must be submitted. Utilities must be marked through JULIE (800-892-0123) before digging.

Aurora requires a continuous barrier around all swimming pools meeting Section AG105 requirements. The barrier/fence must be completed before filling the pool with water. Doors from the home leading to the pool must have UL 2017 exit alarms.

Aurora requires building permits for all swimming pools. Pools must be set outside all easements and at least 5 feet from property lines (10 feet from alleys on corner lots). Continuous barrier must be completed before filling with water.

Aurora pools must comply with the Swimming Pool and Spa Code including drain covers, barrier requirements, and safety equipment. Electrical work requires separate permits. Illinois law (210 ILCS 125) governs pool safety standards.

Above-ground pools in Aurora require permits and must meet the same barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Pools must be set at least 5 feet from property lines. Deck and guardrail systems must be at least 4 feet above grade.

Hot tubs and spas in Aurora require electrical permits for installation. A lockable cover may serve as the barrier requirement. Setback requirements same as pools: 5 feet from property lines. Drainage must not affect neighboring properties.

Aurora requires a continuous barrier meeting AG105 standards around all pools. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high with no openings greater than 4 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Barrier must be complete before water.

Aurora requires building permits for garage conversions to living space. Converted space must meet habitable space building code requirements. Lost parking may need to be replaced depending on zoning requirements.

Aurora permits detached ADUs on lots with single-family homes on lots over 6,000 sq ft. Maximum ADU size is 650 sq ft and 24 ft height. Property owner must occupy either the primary or ADU. ADUs may be used as short-term rentals by owner-occupants.

Aurora's ADU provisions allow detached dwelling units up to 650 sq ft on qualifying lots. Tiny homes on wheels are generally not permitted as permanent residences. All dwelling units must meet building code minimum standards.

Aurora requires permits for accessory structures. Sheds must comply with setback requirements from property lines. Maximum building coverage limits apply. Sheds must be consistent with the residential character of the neighborhood.

Aurora requires permits for carport construction. Carports must meet setback requirements and may count toward lot coverage maximums. Open-sided structures still require engineering review in snow-load areas.

Aurora requires an Outdoor Fireplace Operational Permit from the Fire Department. Campfires and fire pits must be at least 25 feet from structures. Portable outdoor fireplaces must be 15 feet from structures. Fires must be attended at all times.

Open burning and recreational burning of yard waste are prohibited in Aurora. Only gas grills, charcoal grills, and permitted fire pits/outdoor fireplaces are allowed. An Outdoor Fireplace Permit is required for fire pits.

Aurora requires street trees to be maintained at least 13.5 feet above street level. Bushes over sidewalks must be cut back 6 inches from the sidewalk. Property owners are responsible for trimming trees that overhang public ways.

Aurora manages water restrictions through its water utility during drought conditions. The city uses Fox River water and deep wells. Odd/even watering schedules may be implemented during drought. Water conservation encouraged year-round.

Aurora requires permits for removing trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 6 inches or greater for protected species. Applications require 7-14 day advance notice. Heritage tree removals may require a public hearing.