What's Required in Chicago
- A fence no more than 5 feet above the ground on both sides needs no building permit if it conforms to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
- Fences over 5 feet, masonry walls, and fences being legalized after construction require an express permit from the Department of Buildings.
- Zoning generally limits residential fences to 6 feet, and solid or more-than-20-percent-opaque fences in the front setback to 54 inches.
- A fence over 6 feet requires zoning approval, an official survey no more than 5 years old, and a site plan drawn to scale.
- A masonry (brick, stone or concrete) wall requires drawings by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer and a Chicago-licensed mason contractor.
- The application must list a licensed general contractor unless the owner qualifies to act as contractor on their own primary residence.
- Fence height is measured from the lowest surface within 12 inches on either side; posts may exceed the permitted height by up to 6 inches.
- The express fence permit does not authorize an electrified fence, and barbed or razor wire may not be installed below 7 feet.
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Chicago?
Only if it is taller than 5 feet. The Department of Buildings lists installing a fence that is no more than 5 feet above the ground (measured on both sides) and that conforms to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance among the jobs that need no building permit, along with removing a fence of that height and maintaining an existing fence by painting or replacing limited damaged elements. A retaining wall up to 4 feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing, that holds back no surcharge is also exempt. Anything over 5 feet, any masonry wall, and any fence you are legalizing after the fact goes through the Express Permit Program, which replaced the old Easy Permit process on November 6, 2023.
Zoning is the other half of the rule, and it applies whether or not you pull a permit. The department's express-permit terms state that fences on residential properties are generally limited to 6 feet, and that a fence in the required front setback is limited to 54 inches if it is more than 20 percent opaque or solid. An open fence (no more than 20 percent opaque) can go to 6 feet even in front. Height is measured from the lowest ground within 12 inches on either side to the top of the fence, and posts may stick up 6 inches above the permitted height.
Chicago Fence Permit Rules by Scenario
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Wood, vinyl or chain-link fence up to 5 ft that meets zoning | None | DOB list of work not requiring a permit (Fences) |
| Backyard fence over 5 ft and up to 6 ft, non-masonry | Express permit, $75, no drawings | Table 14A-12-1204.2 as amended by SO2025-0021719 |
| Solid front-yard fence over 4.5 ft (54 in) | Not allowed without zoning relief | Express Permit terms; Zoning Ordinance setback table |
| Fence over 6 ft, up to 15 ft, with zoning approval | Express permit, $300, survey and site plan | Table 14A-12-1204.2; EPP Fence instructions |
| Brick, stone or concrete wall, any height | Express permit, $300, architect or engineer drawings, licensed mason | Table 14A-12-1204.2; EPP Fence instructions |
| Fence built without a permit that you now want to legalize | Express permit at the same fee | EPP Fence eligibility list |
| Fence around a private pool deeper than 48 in | At least 5 ft high with self-closing, self-latching gates; reviewed with the pool permit | DOB Guidance on Residential Swimming Pools |
How Much Does a Fence Permit Cost in Chicago?
Fence fees are flat stand-alone fees in Table 14A-12-1204.2 of the Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions. The 2026 Revenue Ordinance (SO2025-0021719, adopted December 19, 2025) cut the fee for a fence up to 6 feet high, any length, any material except masonry, from $150 to $75. A fence over 6 feet is $300, requires drawings and a zoning review, and a freestanding masonry wall of any height is also $300. Where an online application has to be reviewed before it is issued, the department may add a $25 stand-alone review fee. For applications that need drawings, the code calls for a non-refundable deposit at submission ($600 for 2026) with any balance due at issuance, so confirm the total in the portal before you pay. The same ordinance added an annual CPI adjustment to this table starting in 2026, with the first adjusted schedule effective the following January 1, so a 2027 fence permit may cost a few dollars more. Zoning review fees under Title 17 are separate and are not published on the permit pages.
Who Files and What They Submit
Every fence application lists a licensed general contractor (Class A through E); on your own primary residence with no more than 6 units and no building over 3 stories you can act as general contractor yourself once per calendar year by uploading Form 401 and an ID showing you live there. A masonry wall also needs a Chicago-licensed mason contractor, although the mason license is not required for fence footings. Most fence applications need no uploads at all; a fence over 6 feet needs an official survey and a scaled site plan, and a masonry wall needs drawings by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer. The listed contractor must click an emailed link to accept the job before the permit issues. The permit does not cover an electrified fence, and barbed wire may not be installed less than 7 feet above the ground. Fences must be built to resist 30 pounds per square foot of wind, and the exemptions may not apply on a Chicago Landmark property.
How to Get a Fence Permit in Chicago
Check height and zoning
Measure from the lower side of the fence line. At or under 5 feet and within the zoning limits (6 feet, 54 inches solid in front) you can build without a permit.
Gather the application details
You need the property PIN, owner and emergency contact, basic building facts, the fence dimensions, and the exact name or Chicago license number of the general contractor or your Form 401.
Apply in the Express Permit portal
Choose the Fence or Trash Enclosure worktype. Upload a survey and site plan only if the fence is over 6 feet, or architect drawings if it is masonry.
Pay the fee
$75 for a non-masonry fence up to 6 feet, paid at issuance; $300 for taller or masonry fences, with the non-refundable deposit collected at submission. The listed contractor must e-accept the job.
Build and request inspection
Post the permit, build to the permitted height, and request the inspection through the portal; a first inspection must pass within 540 days or the permit expires.