Once your application has been submitted a Plan Examiner will review your plan for compliance with location and height requirements. Upon approval, you may install your fence. A fence inspection is not required, except in these cases: fences greater than seven feet tall, swimming pool fences, or barbed wire fences.
Applications accepted via email include General Building Permit, Fence Permit/Plan Review, and Demolition Permits. (NOTE: When submitting permit applications and plans via email, please be sure all attachments are pdf file format only. Please, convert PNG, JPEG, etc. files to pdf before submitting your application.)
On a corner lot at two intersecting streets, fences shall be no more than two feet tall in the triangular area of the lot, 10 feet from the corner, unless the fence is more than 80% open (chain link). See figure.
A variance may be granted for fences that exceed height requirements. A nonrefundable variance application fee of $85 is required for each variance request. To apply for a fence variance, submit a completed Fence Variance Application Form along with a Fence Permit Application Form and in most cases, a Fence Variance will be approved/denied within 1-2 business days.
This guideline has been assembled to assist you with the design, permit application process, and installation of a new or replacement fence. A permit is required before a new fence is installed or any repairs are performed on an existing fence. Please read over the information below, if you have questions see the last page for who to contact. Most fence permits are reviewed and issued over the counter.
Significant Codes
Provided below is an abbreviated list of codes that are applicable to the design and installation of fences within the City of Wheaton, for specific wording see Chapter 22, Wheaton City Code, Article XII, Fences & Flagpoles for the entire fence code.
Fence in Floodplain or Floodway
The countywide stormwater management ordinance requires a permit for any work within a special management area, except for maintenance of existing improvements that do not affect the ecology of a wetland or riparian environment. These types of permits cannot be an over the counter permit and the following general principles should be followed when permitting fences in special management areas:
Maintenance of fences, or replacement of existing fences in the floodway or floodplain:
Maintenance of existing fences will be allowed when they are replaced with the same size and type of material. A stormwater management permit must be submitted along with a schedule and plan that address the means and methods of construction; such as removal of spoil piles from fence post-placement, access and erosion control and other such means and methods required for the specific environment.
Construction of New Fences in the Floodplain or Floodway
New fences in floodway areas will not be allowed since they are not an acceptable use. New fences in floodplain areas may be allowed if they meet the general criteria of not diverting or changing the flow of stormwater. A stormwater management permit must be submitted along with a schedule and plan that address the means and methods of construction; such as removal of spoil piles from fence post-placement, access and erosion control, and other such means and methods required for the specific environment. All new fences must be open to allow the free flow of stormwater such as split rail, picket, board on board, or other such types. Chain link fencing will generally not be allowed unless it can be demonstrated that it will not impede the flow of water when debris is piled against it. The City of Wheaton is a partial waiver community and permits for new fences must be certified by DuPage County. This certification would require five (5) sets of plans, supporting documentation and a completed Stormwater Management application to be submitted to the City of Wheaton for review.
Design Review approval is required for ALL commercial fences and retaining walls, regardless of height, and shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department for approval as part of their Design Review Application submittal for the project. Fences not requiring a building permit as listed in Step 2 may begin construction once the Design Review process has been completed and you have received authorization from the Planning and Zoning Department to proceed.
Residential Fences & Retaining Walls, regardless of height, in any front yard area or along any street, shall first obtain a Fence Permit from the Planning and Zoning Department by submitting a completed Fence Permit Application. Design Review is not required. Once the fence permit application has been approved, the Planning and Zoning Department will issue a permit and construction may begin, UNLESS the fence is >6' in height or the retaining wall is >4' in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall , or if supporting a surcharge, in which case a building permit is also required and the applicant should proceed to Step 2 below.
Design Review approval is required for ALL common lot residential fences and retaining walls, regardless of height, and shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department for review and approval.
All other residential fences not listed above, that are > 6 ' in height & retaining walls > 4' in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or supporting a surcharge shall obtain a building permit from the Building Department prior to start of construction. Design Review is not required.
All other residential fences not listed above that are Contractors must have a license to work in Oregon. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues licenses to contractors. The permit application and their company materials must list the license number. Need help finding a contractor? The CCB website has good tips on how to search for one. Plumbing and Electrical contractors have additional license requirements.
If you are doing the work yourself, then you can sign the trade permit applications. You cannot do any electrical work yourself. You must hire a licensed Electrical Contractor to do any electrical work. The State of Oregon has some helpful information for homeowners:
Applications for fences may be filed with a PW1 form by checking Box 6D and entering Fence Not Temp. However, as per 1 RCNY 101-14, for one- and two-family dwellings, the Department does not require permits for fences 6 feet or less in height and homeowners may install their own fencing. Residential and commercial fences for privacy are typically made of wood, plastic, brick, or chain link.
Other locations such as in playgrounds, taller fences may be allowed. Please see the NYC Building Code and NYC Zoning Resolution. The Landmarks Preservation Commission must give approval and/or issue permits for work on landmarked properties.
Fences and walls located in the front and street side yard may be up to 4 feet in height provided they do not obstruct vehicle sight distance at driveways or intersections per 14.16.295. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 7 feet without a permit Additional regulations may apply to corner lots. Fences can be tricky and we strongly recommend that you contact the Planning Division for a more complete explanation of Fences and Walls. The Planning Division can be contacted by phone (415) 485-3085, email, or in person. Please check the public hours prior to visiting.
Fences can be placed up to the property line unless there is an easement held by the City or private party. If a fence is proposed to be installed in a City Public Drainage and / or Impoundment Easement, submit an Owner Acknowledgement Form with the fence permit application.
Zoning Administration is responsible for ensuring that all the above requirements have been met. The process is handled administratively and will take approximately twenty days. If the above requirements have not been satisfied, the applicant may file an application for a variance to be heard by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Fences enclosing pools and spas have special requirements and require a building permit. The fee for pool / spa fences may be higher due to the inspection requirements. A brochure is available from the Code Compliance Division of the Zoning Administration.
Building a new fence or replacing an existing fence requires a permit from the City of Jackson. Making sure the fence is approved by the City ensures the fence is appropriate for the property and does not affect the look of neighborhoods. This page contains information you'll need to know before starting the application process. Questions should be directed to the Community Development Department.
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