Proposed Change in Maximum Fence Height

Proposed Change in Maximum Fence Height

At its June 21, 2012 meeting, the Skokie Plan Commission will review a Zoning chapter amendment that would increase the maximum fence height in residential side yards to five feet and would eliminate all exception permits for fences.

The Zoning ordinance currently allows for a four foot high fence with an exception to get to a height of six feet. The current Zoning ordinance also allows a property owner to obtain an exception permit for a 100% solid fence as opposed to the 50% open requirement in the Code.

The Zoning chapter amendment change is being pursued to enhance public safety in the community while still maintaining resident’s privacy in their yards.  Six foot high and 100% solid fences obscure an officer’s visibility when searching for missing or confused persons or suspects in crimes. Six foot high fences also diminish the ability of officers to climb over in a foot chase or similar circumstance.

As the Zoning chapter amendment is proposed, the change would only affect future permits. All fences that have been approved by the Village of Skokie up to the change will be unaffected.

The Skokie Plan Commission meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Counsel Chambers at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.

For more information, please contact the Community Development Department at 847/933-8447.