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

Naperville requires an $80 fence permit for all fences over 3 feet in height. Applications require a Plat of Survey showing fence placement. Call JULIE at 1-800-892-0123 at least 48 hours before digging.

Naperville limits residential fences to 6 feet in height under Title 6, Section 6-2-15. Fences along major arterial roadways may be up to 9 feet. Front yard fences extending past the front facade may not exceed 3 feet. Corner lot visibility requirements apply.

Naperville requires the finished side of all fences to face away from the property on which the fence is installed (facing the neighbor). Fences along rear property lines abutting public right-of-way must include access gates for maintenance.

Naperville requires barriers around all swimming pools per the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep need barriers. Hot tubs that cannot meet barrier requirements must have a locking safety cover.

Naperville requires permits for retaining walls as part of its building code under Title 5. Walls must comply with grading and drainage requirements. Engineered walls may be required for taller structures. Walls cannot interfere with stormwater management.

Naperville requires all pools over 24 inches deep to be surrounded by a barrier per the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Existing fences may not meet pool barrier standards and must be evaluated.

Naperville adopts the 2018 IRC and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with local amendments. All pools require permits and inspections. Barrier requirements, drain covers, and electrical safety standards apply to all residential pools.

Naperville requires permits for above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. Pools 24-48 inches need full barrier fencing. Pools over 48 inches may use a removable/retractable ladder instead of a fence. Kiddie pools under 24 inches are exempt.

Naperville requires permits for hot tubs and spas capable of holding over 24 inches of water. Barrier requirements apply per the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. If barriers cannot be installed, a locking safety cover is required.

Naperville requires permits for all in-ground pools and any above-ground pool or spa capable of holding over 24 inches of water. Kiddie pools up to 24 inches deep are exempt. Applications are submitted through the Civic Access portal.

Naperville regulates accessory structures under Title 6, Section 6-2-10 (Zoning). Accessory dwelling units are subject to zoning district restrictions including lot coverage, height, and setback requirements. Building permits are required for all accessory structures.

Naperville requires building permits for garage conversions. Converting a garage to living space must comply with building codes, zoning requirements for off-street parking replacement, and residential occupancy standards under the 2018 IRC.

Naperville requires building permits for carports as accessory structures under Title 6, Section 6-2-10. Carports must comply with setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions. They count toward the maximum impervious surface on the lot.

Naperville requires building permits for sheds and accessory outbuildings. Sheds must comply with zoning setbacks, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions under Title 6. All construction projects including accessory outbuildings require permits.

Naperville does not have specific tiny home provisions. Tiny homes on foundations must meet minimum dwelling standards under the 2018 IRC as adopted by the city. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as vehicles/trailers and subject to parking and storage restrictions.

Naperville allows recreational fires without a permit if using commercially built outdoor fireplaces or approved containers. Open fires must be 50 feet from structures, while fires in approved containers may be within 15 feet. Only charcoal and clean dry wood allowed.

Open burning is prohibited in Naperville without a permit. Residents must obtain both an Illinois EPA permit and a Naperville Fire Department burn permit. Recreational cooking fires in approved containers are exempt from the permit requirement.

Naperville requires tree removal permits for trees 4 inches or greater in diameter on residential parcels over 1.5 acres and all non-residential parcels. Smaller residential lots are exempt. Parkway trees are city property and may not be removed by residents.

Naperville maintains parkway trees as city property. Property owners must keep trees and bushes from obstructing sidewalks and public ways. The city handles parkway tree trimming, dead tree removal, and emergency hazard conditions through the Department of Public Works.

Naperville enforces year-round lawn sprinkling restrictions: watering allowed only 6-10 AM and 6-10 PM. Odd-numbered addresses water on odd days, even on even days. Hand-held hose watering of gardens and trees is permitted anytime.