Fence Permit Requirements

A permit is required for the installation, replacement, or modification of fences within the Village of Wheeling. The following information outlines required documents, inspections, and general fence regulations.

Required Documents

The following items must be submitted prior to permit issuance:

• Copy of a signed contract

• Affidavit for homeowner acting as contractor, if applicable

• Manufacturer’s specification sheet indicating fence panel material and color

• Plat of Survey indicating:

  • Layout of proposed fence location(s), clearly highlighted

  • Location of all gates

  • Height of the fence measured from existing grade

  • Total length of the fence in linear feet

• Contractor registration

  • All contractors must be registered and bonded with the Village prior to permit issuance

• Utility Easement Form, required if any portion of the fence is proposed within a recorded utility easement

Required Inspections

All inspections require a minimum of 24-hour advance notice.

• J.U.L.I.E. must be contacted at 811 prior to digging to identify underground utility lines

• Post hole inspection

  • Post holes must be a minimum of 36 inches deep, with a recommended depth of 42 inches

• Final fence inspection upon completion of work

General Fence Requirements

• All fences and landscape screens must be located entirely on the private property they serve

• Fences may be located on the property line

• The finished side of the fence must face outward from the property where the fence is constructed

• Fences and walls shall not be constructed or maintained in a manner that obstructs or alters overland surface drainage across adjoining properties or rights-of-way

• Fence height shall be measured from the finished grade prior to fence installation

• Barbed wire and electrically charged fences are prohibited

Residential Fence and Landscape Screen Locations

In all residential zoning districts and residential uses in mixed-use districts, residential fences are regulated by two categories:

Type A Fence

• Decorative fences not exceeding four feet in height above grade

• Landscape screens

• Permitted in all yards

Type B Fence

• Decorative fences and solid fences not exceeding six feet in height above grade

• Landscape screens

• Permitted along the front plane of the principal structure, subject to the following conditions:

For corner lots where the rear yard adjoins a neighboring rear yard, a Type B fence is permitted along the property line fronting the side street and may extend from the rear plane of the principal structure.

For corner lots where the rear yard adjoins a neighboring front yard, a Type B fence is permitted but shall extend from the back corner of the principal structure and shall not extend beyond the front plane of the structure. Fences may follow the curvature or angle of the street.

For questions regarding fence permits or requirements, please contact the Building Department prior to installation.