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

Bolingbrook requires a permit for all fence projects. The fee is $40. Applicants must submit a plat of survey with the proposed fence drawn on it. If the home is in an HOA, HOA permission for the design must accompany the application. Contractors must be registered with the Village of Bolingbrook.

Bolingbrook allows fences up to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lot side yards follow front yard rules unless the fence is set back 10 feet from the property line, where 6-foot height is allowed. A 15-foot sight line triangle must be observed at intersecting streets with no fencing in that area.

Bolingbrook fence regulations require that double frontage lot rear fences abutting a street be set back 5 feet with a gate, and the area between fence and lot line must be landscaped. Ornamental fencing is required on corner lots. Illinois Fence Act (765 ILCS 130) governs agricultural boundary fence cost-sharing but does not apply to residential fences.

Above-ground pools in Bolingbrook require building permits and must comply with the same fencing requirements as in-ground pools (4-foot minimum fence with lockable gate). Pools must be drained or covered when not in use. Electrical installations require separate permits and must meet NEC standards. Contact the Building Division for permit applications.

Bolingbrook requires swimming pool fences to be a minimum of 4 feet high with a lockable gate. The pool fencing requirement applies to both in-ground and above-ground pools. Illinois requires residential pool barriers of at least 42 inches statewide, but Bolingbrook's 4-foot (48-inch) requirement is stricter. Building permits are required for pool installation.

All swimming pools in Bolingbrook must be drained or properly covered when not in use per Ordinance Chapter 25-53. Building permits are required for pool construction. The Village Building Division handles permits, plan review, and inspections. Electrical work must meet NEC requirements for grounding and bonding.

Garage conversions in Bolingbrook require building permits and must comply with Chapter 54 Zoning requirements. Converted garages must maintain required off-street parking per Article VII of the zoning ordinance. Illinois has no state-mandated garage-to-ADU conversion allowance. Contact the Building Division for permit requirements.

Bolingbrook does not currently permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a by-right use in residential zones. The Village's zoning ordinance (Chapter 54) does not include ADU provisions. Illinois HB 2373 (2024) encourages ADU development statewide, but Bolingbrook has not adopted local ADU regulations. Contact Village Planning for current guidance.

Bolingbrook regulates detached carports as accessory structures under Chapter 54 (Zoning), Article III (Accessory Structures and Uses), with primary placement and yard rules in Section 54-225. A detached accessory structure must be located behind the front wall setback of the principal residence, may not be placed in a corner side yard or on a vacant lot, must sit at least 5 feet from any rear or side lot line and at least 10 feet from the residence, and must respect Bolingbrook's R-2 30 percent and R-3 35 percent total lot-coverage caps.

Sheds and accessory structures in Bolingbrook require building permits per the Village Building Division. Structures must comply with Chapter 54 Zoning setback and size requirements. Permits must be obtained prior to the start of any work. Contact the Building Division or submit applications through the online permits portal.

Open burning is prohibited in Bolingbrook except for aged logs in a freestanding outdoor fireplace, per Chapter 22, Article IV, Section 14 (Fire Prevention Code). The Village enforces the International Fire Code for outdoor burning. Burning trash, leaves, or yard waste is prohibited under Illinois EPA regulations (415 ILCS 5).

Freestanding outdoor fireplaces burning aged logs are the only permitted form of outdoor fire in Bolingbrook per Chapter 22, Article IV, Section 14. Fire pits must comply with the International Fire Code. Standard requirements include adequate clearance from structures and use of approved fuel only. The full outdoor firepit ordinance is available on the Village Fire FAQ page.

A tree removal permit is required to remove trees on private property in Bolingbrook. A Village forester inspects the tree before approval. The Village does not remove trees on private property. For trees near power lines, contact ComEd at 800-334-7661. Call JULIE at 811 before any digging. The Village maintains an Approved Tree List for parkway planting.

Bolingbrook's Forestry Department conducts seasonal block tree trimming on public trees, typically beginning in early winter through spring. A tree removal permit is required to remove trees on private property — a Village forester will inspect before approval. No permit is needed to trim trees on private property. The Village does not maintain private property trees.

Bolingbrook does not have a standing citywide irrigation restriction schedule. Water restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions. The Village recommends weekly deep watering rather than frequent watering for trees and lawns. Trees should receive about 10 gallons per week for the first year after planting.