4.8.1 Prohibited fences. The following fences are prohibited:

(1)

Chicken wire, barbed wire, welded mesh wire and electrically charged wire fences.

(2)

Snow fences, except for exclusive control of snow between November 1 and March 31 and as authorized by the zoning administrator for special events or construction sites.

(3)

Fences made of solid plywood, scrap lumber, temporary fencing and similar noncustomary materials.

(4)

Fences made of common concrete or cinder block.

(5)

Fences topped with sharp-edged or spiked material, except this shall not prohibit picket fences.

(6)

Fences on any portion of any public right-of-way, except fences erected by a governmental entity.

(7)

Fences, shrubs, or hedges that interfere with clear vision at or near a street intersection in an area enclosed by a triangle as indicated on Figure 12, Site Distance Zone. In any case, no fence shall be erected closer to a street right-of-way intersection than 30 feet.

(8)

Fences so constructed as to prevent natural water drainage and/or water runoff.

(9)

Masonry fences in a required front yard, easements or drainage swale.

(10)

Fences with posts with the rough or unfinished side of the fence facing toward the street or neighboring property.

(11)

Fences built parallel to existing fences, except as provided for dog runs, privacy enclosures and fences around swimming pools.

4.8.2 Regulations for permitted fences:

(1)

Residential uses. Fences may be erected to a height of six feet, measured from adjacent finished grade to the highest point of the fence, except that fence posts may be six inches higher than the six feet. Where the contour of the land contains abrupt changes of grade, the fence may be stepped with the six-foot height measurement over grade, as an average for a six-foot section of fence.

(2)

Business and industrial uses. In business and industrial districts, fences may be erected to a height of seven feet, measured from the adjacent finished grade to the highest point of the fence, except that fence posts may be six inches higher than the seven feet. Where the contour of the land contains abrupt changes of grade, the fence may be stepped with the seven-foot measurement over grade, as an average for a six-foot section of fence.

(3)

All uses.

(a)

No fence, other than decorative fences as provided in subsection (b) below, shall be constructed or installed in any front yard. Fences may be installed in the interior side yards and the rear yards. No fence shall be constructed or installed beyond the front corner of the adjoining neighbor's building. Fences in side yards adjoining streets shall be constructed as outlined in subsection (g) below and as illustrated in Figure 14.

(b)

Decorative landscape fences not exceeding four feet in height and ten feet in length in any one direction or 20 feet in total length shall be allowed. Said fences shall be 50 percent see-through and be of split rail or picket design. A cyclone-type fence shall not be allowed.

(c)

Public service uses and all regulation size tennis courts shall be exempt from the height limitations.

(d)

Patio privacy fences not exceeding six feet in height shall be permitted to enclose an area not to exceed 500 square feet. Such fences shall be no closer than five feet to a property line.

(e)

Except as provided, a dog enclosure or run, not to exceed six feet in height, shall be permitted to enclose an area not greater than 20 percent of the rear yard, provided it is set back at least ten feet from all property lines.

Exception: A pet enclosure may be located in the side yard when the following conditions exist:

1.

The enclosure will not encroach closer to the side property line than the closest closer exterior wall of the dwelling.

2.

At least two exterior walls of the dwelling are used as part of the enclosure.

3.

An exterior door leads directly from the dwelling, or attached garage, into the enclosure.

4.

The remaining side(s) of the enclosure shall be constructed of a solid wooden or masonry-type fence and gate.

5.

No gas, electric, water meter, or remote sensor shall be within the enclosure.

(f)

All fences, except those listed below, shall be constructed as near as practicable to, but not more than 12 inches from[,] a property line:

1.

Privacy fences.

2.

Dog runs or enclosures.

3.

Decorative fences as provided in subsection (b) above.

4.

A fence along a property line abutting a public right-of-way in which case the fence shall be set one foot from the property line.

5.

Any section of fence used to connect a principal building with a fence located along a property line. (See subsection (g) below.)

6.

Decorative fences less than two feet in height which are intended to protect landscaping, including but not limited to trees, bushes, shrubbery, and gardens. However, such fences shall not be placed in any manner which presents a hazard to pedestrians on any public or private sidewalk.

7.

A fence extending from the dwelling to a detached garage for the purpose of enclosing the rear yard or portion thereof.

(g)

On corner lots and reverse corner lots, a corner side yard fence may be constructed to a point which does not extend beyond the front wall of the building on the adjoining property, except that decorative fences not exceeding four feet in height shall be permitted. Such fence shall be a minimum of 50 percent open. Cyclone or chain-link type fences shall not be permitted. (See Figure 14).

(h)

A gate or permanent opening of at least three feet shall be provided in any fence which fully encloses an area.

(i)

Applicability of building code. All provisions of the building code of the Village of Vernon Hills apply to the construction of fences. In the event of a conflict, the provisions of this ordinance shall control.

(Ord. No. 90-58, 11-13-90; Ord. No. 91-44, § 1, 7-16-91; Ord. No. 92-61, § I, 10-6-92; Ord. No. 93-69, § I, 9-21-93; Ord. No. 2000-30, § XII, 5-2-00; Ord. No. 2004-112, § IX, 12-7-04; Ord. No. 2012-036, § 1(Exh. A), 6-19-12)

Cross reference— Residential fence locations, App. C, Art. Twenty-Seven, Figure 13.