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Residential Fences
Residential fences are allowed at all single-family homes according to the following rules:
* Fences are allowed in all yards except the required front yard.
* Fences along a side lot line of a property are limited to 4 feet in height and must be 50 percent open. Fences along the rear lot line of a property may be 6 feet high, solid or open.
* All fences require a fence permit issued by the Building and Zoning Division of the Community Development Department.
The permit is required to assure that all work is performed in compliance with Village codes and that the fence is properly located on the property. A permit application can be obtained by visiting the Building and Zoning Division on the first floor of Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street, by calling (847) 933-8223, or by visiting the Village's web site at www.skokie.org. All applications must be accompanied by a recent plat of survey (less than 1 year old), a sketch on a copy of the plat of survey indicating the fence location and length, and a check for the permit fee ($25) to cover inspection costs.
The staff in the Building and Zoning Division are available to help you complete the application, assist in planning your fence location, and answer questions.
Fence permits take approximately three working days to process; however, processing time may increase during peak seasons.
NOTE: Prior to installation, you or your contractor must call J.U.L.I.E. at 1-800-892-0123 to have any buried wires/cables/pipes located and marked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. As a homeowner, can I install my own fence or do I need to hire a contractor?
A. Homeowners may install a fence provided that a permit is obtained.
Q. Does the Village license fence contractors?
A. The Village does not license fence or any other contractors; however, the Village has a list of registered and bonded contractors. Please call the Building and Zoning Division at (847) 933-8223 for the list. It is important to obtain several estimates and check the references of the contractor before signing a contract. The Village has a pamphlet on hiring a contractor that may be of assistance.
Q. Why is it necessary to have a recent plat of survey to apply for a fence permit?
A. An accurate survey is necessary to assure that the fence is properly located on your property. The contractor and Village inspector will rely on the survey to ensure that it is properly located. A fence that is incorrectly located on a neighbor's property or an unauthorized location will need to be removed.
Q. My house is located on a corner lot. Are there any special fence regulations?
A. Yes. Please call the Building and Zoning Division at (847) 933-8223 for the regulations.
Q. I have a large dog that can easily jump over a four-foot high fence. Is there a way that a homeowner can request a higher fence in a side yard?
A. Yes, homeowners who have a special need for a fence higher than four feet in a side yard may apply for an Exception Permit. The Village's Zoning Board of Appeals will review the request and if it meets specified criteria an exception permit will be issued.
Q. My home is across the alley from a commercial business. Can I build a rear-yard fence that exceeds the six-foot height limitation?
A. Yes, properties across the alley from or abutting commercial and/or industrial property may have an eight foot-high rear-yard fence.
Q. I have a patio and swimming pool in my rear yard and need more privacy than what a 50 percent open fence will provide. Is there a way that a homeowner can request a solid fence in a side yard?
A. Yes, to screen a small patio or area the Zoning Ordinance regulations allows a continuously solid fence for a distance of six linear feet. However, homeowners who have a special need for a longer or higher solid fence in a side yard may apply for an Exception Permit. The Village's Zoning Board of Appeals will review the request and if it meets specified criteria an exception permit will be issued. However, consideration should be given to planting landscaping that may provide better screening and noise protection.
Q. Where do I have to place my side yard fence if I want it more than four feet tall and less than 50 percent open?
A. The fence would need to be farther from the side lot line than the required set back in order to be higher than four feet and less than 50 percent open. Fences are not allowed in corner side yards.
Q. Are there construction standards for fences?
A. Yes, please contact the Building and Zoning Division at (847) 933-8223 for construction and location information.
Q. How close to the property line may I place my fence?
A. Fences may be placed up to the edge of your property line, but must remain entirely on your property.
Q. Is a fence required around a pool or hot tub?
A. Yes, fences around swimming pools and hot tubs must be at least four feet high and enclose the entire pool area or yard. |
