In Evanston, properties vary block by block. From historic homes near the lake to tighter lots with shared boundaries and alley access, every yard brings its own challenges.
At Fenceworks, we don't design fences from a screen. We meet you on-site, walk your property, and plan around real conditions like grading, access points, and how your outdoor space is actually used.
If you've driven along Route 41, you've likely seen us. Fenceworks has been family owned since 1967, serving North Shore communities with a hands-on, local approach. Today, that legacy continues under third-generation leadership, with a Northbrook showroom where families can explore options in person.
Useful information about Evanston Fence Installation
| Evanston City Hall Phone Number |
847-448-4311 |
| Evanston Website |
cityofevanston.org |
| Evanston City Hall Hours |
Monday – 9:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. Tuesday – 9:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. Thursday – 9:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. |
| Evanston Fence Installation Permit Links |
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| How long will it take for me to get my permit? |
5 business days |
Evanston Fence Building Permits Requirements
FENCE CONSTRUCTION DOES NOT REQUIRE PLAN REVIEW
Fence (requires Zoning Review)/Construction Fence
Requires submittal of a Plat of Survey showing proposed fence location
To apply for these permits, the following shall be required:
- A completed permit application using the Citizens Portal link on the Building & Inspection Services website page. A user account must be established prior to submitting a permit application.
- Trade contractor and project worksheets (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roof, window, etc.)
- Copy of the project contract that shows the construction valuation/project cost.
- Construction Valuation shall include material, labor, fixtures and equipment.
- Emergency Contact information
- All contractors must be registered with the City of Evanston - requirements vary by contractor type. (See below).
CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION
To obtain a building permit, the general contractor and all trade contractors working under the permit must be registered with the City.
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Permitted Materials |
Wood |
Yes. |
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Wood-polymer Lumber |
Yes, provided said material consists of at least 50% post-consumer and/or post-industrial wood fiber. |
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Wrought Iron |
Yes. |
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Masonry or Stucco Wall |
Yes. |
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Chain Link |
Yes, except not permitted within area between street lot line and 3' behind any street-facing facade of the principal building unless property is along Type 1 Street and chain link is specifically listed as a permitted material along said Type 1 Street. |
Yes, provided fence is within required interior side yard or required rear yard. |
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PVC |
Yes, provided post or horizontal components do not have circular cross section and have wall thickness of at least 0.120 inches; and all material is solid-wall extruded, is recyclable at end of useful life, and meets Standard Specification F964-94 of 1998 Annual Book of ASTM Standards. |
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Barb Wire |
No. |
Yes, provided fence is within required interior side yard or required rear yard; is above 6'; and conforms with § 7-5-2. |
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Unfinished Concrete or Cinder Block Wall |
Yes. |
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Permitted Location (Required Yard) |
Front |
No, unless property is along Type 1 Street; and wood, wood-polymer lumber, wrought iron, or PVC fence is at least 30% open. |
Yes. |
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Street Side |
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Interior Side |
Yes, provided fence is setback from any front-facing facade of principal building by 3'. |
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Rear |
Yes. |
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Bldg Envelope |
Yes, provided fence is setback from any front-facing facade of principal building by 3'. |
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Permitted Height |
Typical |
6', except no greater than 4' when legally located between front lot line and 3' behind any front-facing facade of principal building or when legally located within the required street side yard unless located as hereafter described where 8' is permitted; no greater than 8' when within required interior side or required rear yard and said yard or adjacent alley is boundary between residential and nonresidential use. |
8'. |
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Temporary |
8', provided applicant conforms with § 6-4-8-4. |
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Open Mesh for Park, Rec Area, School |
No restrictions. |
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