What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)
- Stop-work order and $250–$500 fine from Glen Ellyn Building Department, plus requirement to remove the fence entirely if it violates height or setback—no grandfathering allowed.
- Insurance claim denial: homeowner's policy typically excludes damage or liability on unpermitted structures, leaving you personally liable if someone is injured on the fence.
- HOA lien and forced removal: if your community requires HOA approval and you skip it, the association can fine you $100–$500/month and force removal at your expense (even after city issues a permit).
- Title/resale disclosure: unpermitted fence must be disclosed on an Illinois Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement; buyer can demand removal or a $3,000–$8,000 price reduction, or walk from the deal.
Glen Ellyn fence permits — the key details
Glen Ellyn's fence code is rooted in the city's zoning ordinance and the Illinois Building Code (which adopts IRC standards). The threshold rule is straightforward for rear and side yards: wood, vinyl, or chain-link fences under 6 feet tall are permit-exempt, and you can build them without filing anything. However, this exemption has three hard limits. First, any fence in a front yard—even a 3-foot picket—requires a permit, because front yards are visible from the public right-of-way and must not create traffic hazards. Second, fences over 6 feet anywhere on the property (including rear yards) require a permit. Third, corner lots have an additional constraint: IRC R312 (sight-triangle rule) prohibits any fence higher than 3 feet within a sight triangle that extends roughly 25 feet from the corner along both street frontages. A 4-foot rear fence on a corner lot, even if it's technically 'rear,' can still trigger a permit requirement if it encroaches on that sight triangle. Glen Ellyn Building Department enforces this strictly; plan-review staff measure sight lines carefully.
Masonry and retaining walls carry their own thresholds. Any masonry fence over 4 feet tall requires a permit and engineering review, regardless of whether it's in a front or rear yard. The city requires a footing detail showing depth below the 42-inch frost line, proper drainage, and structural calculations for wind load (IRC AG105). A 5-foot brick fence with no engineered plan will be rejected. Even short masonry walls—say, a 3-foot brick planter that doubles as a property edge—may trigger a permit if the total linear run exceeds 20 feet, because the city classifies extended masonry runs as retaining walls. Pool-barrier fences are always permitted work, regardless of height, because IRC R310.1 and Illinois building code require a permit and final inspection to verify self-closing, self-latching gates (15-pound closure force) and 4-inch sphere pass-through rules. If you have a pool, every inch of barrier must be reviewed by an inspector.
Glen Ellyn's online permit filing is managed through the DuPage County ePermitting system (ePermitting.dupage.org), which is different from the paper-and-walk-in model still used by some neighboring suburbs. You'll upload a site plan showing property lines, the proposed fence location, height, material, and setback distances from the lot lines and right-of-way. For under-6-foot fences in rear/side yards with no masonry and no HOA, this is often approved same-day (OTC — over the counter); staff can verify exemption status and issue a verbal OK within an hour. For permitted fences, plan review typically takes 3–7 business days. The permit fee for a residential fence under 6 feet is a flat $75–$150 (verify current schedule with the city); masonry or fences over 6 feet cost $150–$200 plus $0.50/linear foot for the overage. There is no separate inspection fee; the permit includes a final inspection, which must occur before you backfill post holes or cover the fence base.
HOA approval is the most common surprise. Glen Ellyn's older subdivisions (all of them, really) have recorded covenants that restrict fence style, height, material, and color. The city will not issue a permit—will literally refuse to accept your application—unless you provide a signed HOA approval letter or a waiver from the association president. This is not a courtesy; it's a hard requirement. You must contact your HOA (usually listed on your property deed or subdivision plat) and request approval in writing. HOA turnaround is typically 2–4 weeks. If your development has no recorded HOA, you're in the clear; not all Glen Ellyn subdivisions have one, and some older neighborhoods have dissolved or inactive associations. Contact your title company or search the DuPage County Recorder's Office online (gis.dupage.org) to confirm.
Post installation must account for Glen Ellyn's glacial-till soil and 42-inch frost line. Wood posts should be set minimum 30 inches deep (42-inch frost line minus 12-inch minimum bearing), with concrete footings poured to below frost depth. Vinyl posts often use metal sleeves set the same way. Chain-link post spacing (typically 6 feet) is acceptable under local code; the city does not enforce closer spacing unless the fence is over 6 feet (wind load). If your rear fence abuts a utility easement (common in Glen Ellyn for NICOR gas, ComEd power, or AT&T lines), you must obtain utility company written consent before digging. Easements are recorded and searchable on the county GIS; ignoring one can result in a $500–$1,500 fine plus removal. Request a One-Call locate (call 811) at least 3 business days before digging.
Three Glen Ellyn fence (wood/vinyl/metal/chain-link) scenarios
Glen Ellyn's corner-lot sight-triangle rule: why it matters and how to comply
Glen Ellyn's corner-lot sight-triangle rule exists to prevent traffic accidents. A tall fence or planter on a corner can block a driver's view of cross traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists. The rule is codified in the city's zoning ordinance and mirrors IRC R312.2, which requires unobstructed sight lines in a triangular zone at street intersections. The sight triangle is typically defined as a line running 25 feet from the corner along each street frontage, connected by a diagonal line across the corner of the property. Anything taller than 3 feet (measured from finished grade at the street) inside this triangle violates the rule. A 4-foot fence 10 feet from the corner, even if you call it a 'side yard' fence, is in the violation zone and will trigger a permit rejection.
The surprise: some Glen Ellyn homeowners have built fences (or planted hedges, installed arbors, etc.) in corner-lot sight triangles without realizing the rule applies. A 5-foot vinyl fence 15 feet from the corner on a corner lot looks like a 'rear fence' but is actually in the sight triangle. The city's Building Department staff check all corner-lot applications against a sight-triangle overlay map (accessible on the county GIS). If your application crosses the triangle, it will be rejected unless you modify the design or move the fence. No appeal or variance process speeds this up; you must redesign.
Compliant alternatives include: (1) build the fence 3 feet tall throughout the sight-triangle zone (25 feet back), then step it up to full height beyond; (2) use open-picket or split-rail fencing, which allows sightlines even at 6 feet; (3) install a shorter fence on the corner portion and a full-height fence on the side or rear that's outside the triangle. Option 1 is most common; it requires an engineer's site plan showing the sight-triangle boundary and the fence height at each zone, which adds $200–$400 to design costs but is worth it to avoid rejection and removal. Turnaround on corner-lot permitted fences is typically 7–10 business days (longer than non-corner, standard-exempt fences) because staff must verify sight-triangle compliance.
HOA pre-approval in Glen Ellyn: why the city will not issue a permit without it
Glen Ellyn is almost entirely subdivided into covenant-controlled communities. Westview Woods, Glen Ellyn Estates, Highfield, Oak Creek, Beachy Bend, and dozens of smaller associations cover 80%+ of the residential property. Each has recorded covenants (called 'Restrictions' or 'Declaration') that govern exterior improvements, including fences. These restrictions are binding on the property and run with the land—they apply regardless of whether you paid attention to them. Glen Ellyn Building Department policy is to refuse to accept a fence permit application unless you provide written HOA approval. This is not a suggestion; the city literally will not process your application without it. The policy exists because the city learned (probably through litigation) that homeowners who ignored HOA restrictions and received city permits ended up in disputes with their associations, and those disputes sometimes spilled into city liability.
Finding your HOA: search your property deed or the plat document (available from the DuPage County Recorder's Office, online at gis.dupage.org). The deed should name the association. You can also call your title company (the one that closed your mortgage) and ask. Once you identify the HOA, contact the president (usually listed on the subdivision plat or in annual meeting notices mailed to you). Send a written request for fence approval, including a photo or sketch of the proposed fence (height, material, color, setback distance), and ask for a response within 10–15 business days. Some HOAs issue approval within a week; others take 3–4 weeks or request modifications (e.g., 'wood slats only, stained medium brown, setback 2 feet from line'). Once you have written approval, attach it to your permit application (or upload it to the ePermitting portal) and the city will accept the application. If your HOA is dissolved or inactive (rare but possible), you may be able to obtain a waiver from the association president or file a legal declaration of non-enforcement; contact the city's Building Department directly for guidance on this edge case.
Enforcement is real. Some Glen Ellyn HOAs actively monitor for unpermitted or non-compliant fences. If you build a fence without HOA approval and the association discovers it, they can place a lien on your property, fine you $50–$300/month (depending on the CC&Rs), and force removal at your expense. Even if the city issued a permit, the HOA can still enforce the restriction; a city permit does not override a private covenant. The fastest way to avoid this is to request HOA approval before you even call the city. It costs nothing and takes 2–3 weeks.
Glen Ellyn Village Hall, 535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 942-8000 (main line; ask for Building Department) | https://www.ePermitting.dupage.org (DuPage County ePermitting system; select City of Glen Ellyn)
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (closed holidays; verify before visiting)
Common questions
Can I install a fence myself, or do I need a licensed contractor?
Glen Ellyn allows owner-builder (DIY) fence installation for owner-occupied residential property. You can pull the permit in your name and install the fence yourself. However, if a permit is required (fences over 6 feet, masonry, corner-lot sight-line issues, or pool barriers), you must schedule and pass a final inspection, and the inspector will check that the fence meets code (footing depth, height, setback, gate function for pools, etc.). Many homeowners hire a fence contractor for installation; the contractor will pull the permit and schedule the inspection. Either way, HOA approval must be obtained first.
What if I replace my old fence with the exact same fence—do I still need a permit?
Not necessarily, if the old fence was compliant and you're replacing it in-kind (same height, material, location, setback). However, Glen Ellyn does not issue a blanket replacement exemption; you must verify that the old fence was legal (not non-conforming, not in a sight-triangle violation, not violating HOA rules). If the old fence was 7 feet tall or in a restricted location, you cannot simply rebuild it at the same height—it must be brought into compliance. Best practice: contact the city before ordering materials and ask whether a replacement is exempt. Bring property records, photos of the old fence, and a site plan.
The building department asked for a 'site plan'—what does that mean, and how detailed does it need to be?
A site plan is a top-down drawing of your property showing property lines (with dimensions), the location of the proposed fence (line and height), setback distances from lot lines and the right-of-way, and any easements or sight-triangle zones (if a corner lot). For a simple under-6-foot rear fence, this can be hand-drawn on graph paper with measurements, then photographed or scanned and uploaded to the ePermitting portal. For masonry, pools, or corner lots, the city often requires a professional survey or engineer drawing. The city's ePermitting system has a 'Site Plan' upload section; instructions are in the permit application. If you're unsure whether your sketch is sufficient, call the Building Department or upload it and ask for feedback before final submission.
I have an easement running through my rear yard (NICOR or ComEd). Can I still build a fence across it?
Not without utility company written consent. Easements are recorded on the property deed and searchable on the county GIS map (gis.dupage.org). If your fence would be within 10 feet of a recorded easement, contact the utility company (NICOR, ComEd, AT&T) and request permission in writing. Most utilities will allow a fence on top of an easement as long as it's accessible (they reserve the right to dig it up for maintenance). Once you have written utility consent, attach it to your permit application. If you build without consent and the utility discovers the fence, they can demand removal at your cost ($1,500–$3,000).
How deep do I need to dig fence-post holes in Glen Ellyn?
A minimum of 30 inches deep (42-inch frost line minus 12-inch minimum bearing). Concrete footing should reach below the frost line. Glen Ellyn's glacial-till soil is prone to heave in freeze-thaw cycles; shallow posts will tilt and fail within 2–3 winters. For posts set in soil only (no concrete), dig 36–42 inches deep. For posts in concrete, the total depth (hole + concrete) should be at least 36 inches, with the concrete cured and the post set in the middle. Metal sleeves (for vinyl posts) should also be set to 30+ inches depth. The city's final inspection will not verify footing depth visually; inspectors trust that you've followed code and will spot-check if they have reason to suspect shallow work.
Do I need a permit to replace a fence that was already there when I bought the house?
Not if it's an over-the-counter exempt fence (under 6 feet, rear or side yard, non-masonry, not in a sight-triangle violation, and compliant with HOA rules). Simply verify that the existing fence meets these criteria. If it doesn't—say, it's 7 feet tall or in a front yard—you'll need a permit to replace it, and the replacement must be brought into compliance (reduced to 6 feet or relocated). Contact the city if unsure.
What happens if the city says my fence permit application is incomplete?
The ePermitting system will reject the application and list missing items (e.g., 'Site plan missing property-line dimensions' or 'HOA approval letter required'). You have 30 days to resubmit with the missing documents. This doesn't restart the review clock; the 3–7 day review period resumes once the application is complete. If you miss the 30-day deadline, the application is withdrawn and you must file again (and pay again). Upload all required items upfront to avoid rejection and delays.
What are the setback rules for fences in Glen Ellyn—can I build right on the property line?
Most Glen Ellyn properties allow a fence to be set 0–6 inches from the property line, though some HOA restrictions require 1–2 feet setback. Check your CC&Rs (covenants) first. Fences cannot encroach into the right-of-way (typically 15–30 feet from the street, depending on the road). The city's zoning ordinance may also restrict fences in front yards to specific setback distances; ask the Building Department when you submit your application. A few inches off the line is standard; check with your neighbor first to avoid disputes.
I want a pool, and I've heard I need a special 'pool barrier fence.' What does that mean?
Yes. Illinois Building Code and IRC R310.1 require that residential pools be surrounded by a 4-foot barrier (fence, wall, or combination) with self-closing, self-latching gates (15-pound closure force minimum) and no openings larger than 4 inches. A pool-barrier fence always requires a permit, regardless of height. The permit includes final inspection to verify gate operation and sphere-pass-through compliance. If you're building a new pool and fence together, contact the city early; pool permits trigger additional reviews (electrical, grading, drainage) beyond the fence itself. Pool-barrier fence permits typically cost $150–$250 and take 5–10 business days.
How long does it actually take to get a fence permit in Glen Ellyn?
Over-the-counter exempt fences: no permit needed; you can build immediately (after HOA approval). Permitted fences under 6 feet, non-masonry, no sight-triangle issues: 1–3 days (often same-day verbal approval; written permit issued within 48 hours). Masonry or over-6-foot fences: 7–10 business days (plan review). Corner-lot sight-triangle fences: 7–10 business days. Pool barriers: 5–10 business days. Add 2–3 weeks if HOA approval is pending. Once the permit is issued, you can build immediately; the final inspection is scheduled at your convenience (typically within 30–45 days of completion).