|
So you are looking to have a fence installed in your backyard, and you live in the city of Aurora. You might be wondering at this point how to go about getting a permit for your upcoming fence installation. This short guide will share everything you need to know about the fence permit application process.
The first thing you want to do is visit the City of Aurora's permit application page on their website. On this page, you will find what they call "Fencing Installation Permit (PDF)," which you can click on and download. You will want to read through the entire application before beginning to fill it out. |
|
The application starts by asking for the property address, owner's name, phone number, and email.
You will need a copy of your plat of survey, which indicates the fence's desired height and where you plan to have it installed on your property.
If you live in one of Aurora's Historic Districts, you will need to contact the Historic Preservation Division at (630) 844-3648 and apply for a special certificate of appropriateness.
It is the homeowner/contractor's responsibility to notify J.U.L.I.E. at (800) 892-0123 to mark any utilities before digging any postholes.
You will want to refer to the Aurora Zoning Ordinance for more detailed requirements.
You will also need to obtain permission from your Homeowners Association before any work commences.
The City of Aurora will also want to know the total cost of the fence that you are installing.
If you are using a local fence contractor to complete the work, you will need to provide their business name, Aurora registration number, contact name, and telephone number. You will also need to obtain a signature from the fence contractor as well. You will then sign and date the fence permit application.
You will need a copy of your plat of survey, which indicates the fence's desired height and where you plan to have it installed on your property.
If you live in one of Aurora's Historic Districts, you will need to contact the Historic Preservation Division at (630) 844-3648 and apply for a special certificate of appropriateness.
It is the homeowner/contractor's responsibility to notify J.U.L.I.E. at (800) 892-0123 to mark any utilities before digging any postholes.
You will want to refer to the Aurora Zoning Ordinance for more detailed requirements.
You will also need to obtain permission from your Homeowners Association before any work commences.
The City of Aurora will also want to know the total cost of the fence that you are installing.
If you are using a local fence contractor to complete the work, you will need to provide their business name, Aurora registration number, contact name, and telephone number. You will also need to obtain a signature from the fence contractor as well. You will then sign and date the fence permit application.
Fencing Location Restrictions
Fences in the Right-of-Way: You cannot install a fence in any public right-of-way unless you have the proper authority, and the purpose is to ensure the public's safety.
Fences in floodways: as designated by F.E.M.A., you cannot install a fence in a floodway. They have a flood boundary and floodway map that you need to reference.
Fences in Drainage Swales: Aurora is very concerned about your fence creating an unreasonable obstruction to water's natural flow within any drainage easement. Fences located across drainage swales shall be a minimum of six inches (6") above the grade, with the only exception being the fence posts and upright bars.
Fences in easements: The city of Aurora recommends that property owners do not install fences in easements. If you do end up installing a fence in a public easement, you need to understand that you will be subject to special conditions of such easement. Keep in mind the property owner is responsible for any replacement or repairs to the fence should the City of Aurora or local utility companies need access to the easement.
General Requirements
No portion of your fence shall extend past your property line.
If your fence is adjacent to a public sidewalk, it must be set back a minimum of one (1') foot from the sidewalk.
You cannot install a chainlink fence in the front yard or along any public right-of-way.
The fence's finished side must face outward, towards your neighbors' property, with all fence posts located on the inside of the fence owner's property.
You are only allowed to install conventional and standard fence materials, such as but not limited to ornamental iron, vinyl, masonry, stone, pressure-treated wood, or wood having a natural resistance to decay and chain link. You cannot use broken boards, discarded materials, wire mesh, tarps, or other similar coverings.
Fences shall be of uniform height, material, type, color, and design throughout the entire length of the fence on the owner's property, except where a fence transitions from one yard to another or from one height to another.
The City of Aurora classifies fences as either open or solid construction. An open fence is greater than fifty percent (50%) open as viewed from the fences outside. A solid fence is less than fifty percent (50%) open as viewed from the outside of the fence. You need to make sure that you refer to the City of Aurora's Fence Standards Booklet for further illustrations.
Fences in the Right-of-Way: You cannot install a fence in any public right-of-way unless you have the proper authority, and the purpose is to ensure the public's safety.
Fences in floodways: as designated by F.E.M.A., you cannot install a fence in a floodway. They have a flood boundary and floodway map that you need to reference.
Fences in Drainage Swales: Aurora is very concerned about your fence creating an unreasonable obstruction to water's natural flow within any drainage easement. Fences located across drainage swales shall be a minimum of six inches (6") above the grade, with the only exception being the fence posts and upright bars.
Fences in easements: The city of Aurora recommends that property owners do not install fences in easements. If you do end up installing a fence in a public easement, you need to understand that you will be subject to special conditions of such easement. Keep in mind the property owner is responsible for any replacement or repairs to the fence should the City of Aurora or local utility companies need access to the easement.
General Requirements
No portion of your fence shall extend past your property line.
If your fence is adjacent to a public sidewalk, it must be set back a minimum of one (1') foot from the sidewalk.
You cannot install a chainlink fence in the front yard or along any public right-of-way.
The fence's finished side must face outward, towards your neighbors' property, with all fence posts located on the inside of the fence owner's property.
You are only allowed to install conventional and standard fence materials, such as but not limited to ornamental iron, vinyl, masonry, stone, pressure-treated wood, or wood having a natural resistance to decay and chain link. You cannot use broken boards, discarded materials, wire mesh, tarps, or other similar coverings.
Fences shall be of uniform height, material, type, color, and design throughout the entire length of the fence on the owner's property, except where a fence transitions from one yard to another or from one height to another.
The City of Aurora classifies fences as either open or solid construction. An open fence is greater than fifty percent (50%) open as viewed from the fences outside. A solid fence is less than fifty percent (50%) open as viewed from the outside of the fence. You need to make sure that you refer to the City of Aurora's Fence Standards Booklet for further illustrations.
Within 15' of intersecting property lines at public streets, walks, driveways, bike paths, or walking paths, your fence cannot be taller than 3' in height, regardless of whether it is solid or open fencing.
If you are replacing an existing fence, you must altogether remove the old fence before installing the new one.
The maximum allowable height of your fence shall not exceed 6' feet in height, including the post or end caps.
You are not allowed to change your yard's grade without first getting approval from the City of Aurora's Engineers, especially if you need this work done before the fence installation occurs.
You cannot use a fence to enclose utility boxes.
If you live in a townhome where a common wall of a structure connects two or more dwelling units, the fences for such separate dwelling units shall be uniform in height, material, type, color, and design.
You must have at least one gate when installing a residential fence.
Commercial Fencing Requirements
The following information is a summary of fence requirements for commercial properties:
Generally speaking, you are not allowed to install a taller fence than 6' feet in height. If you are installing a fence for "screening" purposes, then the height allowance is 8 feet. Wire mesh and chain link are prohibited when the fence is adjacent to a property zoned for residential use. When it comes to security fencing, you cannot install fences that contain barbed wire, spikes or any similar device, or any electric charge sufficient to cause a shock. In some cases, a barbed wire may be used for maximum security when special zoning districts allow it.
If you are replacing an existing fence, you must altogether remove the old fence before installing the new one.
The maximum allowable height of your fence shall not exceed 6' feet in height, including the post or end caps.
You are not allowed to change your yard's grade without first getting approval from the City of Aurora's Engineers, especially if you need this work done before the fence installation occurs.
You cannot use a fence to enclose utility boxes.
If you live in a townhome where a common wall of a structure connects two or more dwelling units, the fences for such separate dwelling units shall be uniform in height, material, type, color, and design.
You must have at least one gate when installing a residential fence.
Commercial Fencing Requirements
The following information is a summary of fence requirements for commercial properties:
Generally speaking, you are not allowed to install a taller fence than 6' feet in height. If you are installing a fence for "screening" purposes, then the height allowance is 8 feet. Wire mesh and chain link are prohibited when the fence is adjacent to a property zoned for residential use. When it comes to security fencing, you cannot install fences that contain barbed wire, spikes or any similar device, or any electric charge sufficient to cause a shock. In some cases, a barbed wire may be used for maximum security when special zoning districts allow it.
HELPFUL RESOURCESFENCE PERMIT, INSTALLATION, AND ZONING INFORMATION FOR AURORA, ILLINOIS
|
|
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING
Jason Sereiko came out to provide a free estimate for me. He did a great job explaining the process to me. Great Quality Vinyl Fencing . The installation process went very smoothly. Thank you Jason! - Jack J., Aurora, IL