Fence / Gate Permit Requirements in Aurora, IL

Aurora is a city of 180,542 residents in Illinois that follows the 2018 IRC. Aurora's building department is stricter than the standard IRC on fence / gate work, expect fewer exemptions and more situations that require a permit. You're looking at roughly $64 – $212 in permit fees, plan on about 2 weeks for approval, plus you can apply online.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified March 29, 2026 · How we research →

Population: 180,542 Code: 2018 Verified: 2026-03-29 3 local rules

When you don’t need a permit

Exempt·Rule 1

Fences 6 feet or under do not require a building permit.

SourceIllinois State Building Code (IRC-based) / Aurora Municipal Code

When you do need a permit

Required·Rule 1

Fences over 6 feet require a building permit.

Estimated Fee$64 – $212
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceIllinois State Building Code (IRC-based) / Aurora Municipal Code
Required·Rule 2

Pool enclosure fences require a permit and must meet safety barrier requirements.

Estimated Fee$64 – $212
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceIllinois State Building Code (IRC-based) / Aurora Municipal Code

Fence / Gate Permit Costs: Aurora vs. Nearby

Aurora's fees are right in line with the Illinois average, $64 – $212 versus $70 – $214 statewide.

CityEstimated Fee
Aurora $64 – $212
Chicago $82 – $440
Joliet $60 – $200
Naperville $75 – $250

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Aurora permit costs →

Zoning & HOA Considerations

Zoning

Front-yard fences and fences above certain heights may require zoning approval. Many cities limit front-yard fence height to 3–4 feet. Check setback and height limits with your planning department.

HOA Communities

If you live in an HOA community: hOAs frequently restrict fence materials, colors, heights, and styles, often more strictly than city code. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your Architectural Review Committee (ARC) before applying for a city permit.

Estimated Project Timeline in Aurora

Here's a typical timeline for a fence / gate project in Aurora, IL:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings.
Week 2
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Aurora's building department, apply online here.
Week 3-4
Plan review & approval
Typical processing time in Aurora: about 2 weeks. Application review and permit issuance.
Week 5+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

Timeline is based on Aurora's typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.

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Building Department Contact

NameBuilding Division
Address77 S Broadway, 1st Floor, Aurora, IL 60505
HoursMon-Fri 8am-5pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimated permit fees for Fence / Gate projects in Aurora, IL range from $64 – $212. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Fence / Gate projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.

Working without a required permit in Aurora can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.

Typical approval time for Fence / Gate permits in Aurora is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.

If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.

Learn More About Fence / Gate Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read Fence / Gate Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-03-29. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.