Fence Permit Requirements in Union, IL
Village of Union handles its own building permits (McHenry County only covers unincorporated areas, not incorporated villages). Building Inspector is available one hour per week, Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM. The village has not published its adopted residential code edition online; rules below use IRC 2021 as baseline (the most common adoption in the Chicago metro). No published fee schedule, no online application portal. Apply in person during Village Hall hours or email permits@unionillinois.org. Illinois state plumbing code (IDPH-licensed plumbers) and electrical licensing requirements apply regardless of local code adoption.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified April 18, 2026 · How we research →
When you don’t need a Fence permit in Union
Under 2021 IRC R105.2, fences not over 7 feet are exempt from a building permit, so backyard fences 6 feet or under typically do not require a building permit in Union, IL. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
Front yard fences 4 feet or under typically do not require a building permit in Union, IL, but must meet village zoning rules for visibility at intersections and driveways. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
When you need a Fence permit in Union
Under 2021 IRC R105.2, fences over 7 feet require a building permit in Union, IL. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
What Makes Union Different
Here's how Union's fence rules stack up against the standard IRC baseline that most of the country follows.
Stricter Than the IRC
Union drops the height feet threshold to 6 feet. The IRC allows up to 7 feet before requiring a permit.
Union drops the height feet threshold to 4 feet. The IRC allows up to 7 feet before requiring a permit.
Under 2021 IRC R105.2, fences over 7 feet require a building permit in Union, IL. Verify with the Village Building Inspector at (815) 923-4153 (available Tuesdays 3 PM to 4 PM) before starting work.
Fence Permit Costs: Union vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Union | N/A |
| Chicago | $82 – $440 |
| Aurora | $64 – $212 |
| Joliet | $60 – $200 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Union permit costs →
Zoning Considerations
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.
Estimated Project Timeline in Union
Here's a typical timeline for a fence project in Union, IL:
Timeline is based on Union'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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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Union's building department for current Fence permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Fence 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 Union 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 permits in Union is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
Learn More About Fence Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Fence Guide →