Before Starting Your Fence Project

A building permit is required to erect any new fence, regardless of the length or height. This includes re- placing an existing fence.

Important Guidelines

Fence Supports: All supports must be placed on the inside (owner’s side) of the fence.
Right-of-Way: Fences adjacent to a public right-of-way must include a gate or opening to allow passage.
Fence Height Limits: Please refer to the attached sheet for detailed height restrictions.
Prohibited Materials: Electrically charged fences, barbed wire, spikes, or similar devices are not allowed.
Utility and Drainage Easements: Fences can be placed in utility or drainage easements at the homeowner’s risk, but they must not obstruct drainage. Fences may not be placed in floodplains as determined by FEMA NFIP/FIRM maps. In the event a fence needs to be removed to access utilities, the City of Batavia or utility contractors are not responsible for reinstalling or repairing the fence.
Plat of Survey: A Plat of Survey, stamped by a licensed surveyor, is required. The location of the fence can be hand-drawn, with overall length, height, and spacing between posts clearly indicated.
Fence Detail: Submit a section detail showing fence dimensions, picket profile, spacing, post spacing, and construction materials. A manufacturer's specification sheet may also be submitted.

Application Procedure

Submit a completed Building Permit Application to the City of Batavia Building Division of the Community Development Department.
Pay required minimum submittal fee.
Provide two copies of the Plat of Survey, showing the fence location, height(s), and setbacks from property lines. The survey should be to scale and not resized.
Submit two copies of a dimensioned fence detail including picket profile, post spacing, construction materials, and any other relevant specifications. A manufacturer’s spec sheet can also be submitted.

Homeowner/Contractor Responsibilities

Locate Underground Utilities: Call J.U.L.I.E. (811) at least 48 hours before digging to locate utilities. Visit our Website
Mark Property Line: The homeowner/contractor is responsible for marking the property line and locating the property survey pins.
Schedule Inspections: Schedule a post-hole inspection and final inspection with the Building Division. Call at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. Please ensure the work is ready for inspection to avoid re-inspection fees.
Final Inspection: All permits conclude after passing the mandatory final inspection.

Batavia Zoning Code Regarding Fences

4.108 Fences : These fence regulations are in addition to the requirements of Section 4.104: Outdoor Business Property Storage and Chapter 4.2: Off-Street Parking and Loading Regulations.

All Districts

Prohibited Fences: Electric and razor wire fences are prohibited.
Finished Side: The finished side of the fence must face outward, toward the exterior of the lot.
Property Lines: Fences may be placed on the property line but cannot cross it or connect to adjacent fences without written consent from the neighboring property owner.
Gate Requirement: Fences in the rear setback area of double frontage lots must have a gate or opening to allow passage if located within 10 feet of a right-of-way.

Residential Districts

Security Fences: Barbed wire and similar fences are prohibited.
Fences in Front Setback: Fences in the required front setback area cannot exceed 3 feet in height. Wire materials like chain link or chicken wire are prohibited.
Fences in Corner Setback: Fences in the corner side setback area cannot exceed 4 feet in height, except along rear property lines where the height can be 6 feet.
Side or Rear Setback Fences: Fences in these areas cannot exceed 6 feet in height.
Lot Line Fences: Fences on rear and side lot lines adjacent to commercial or industrial properties or Strategic Regional Arterial Streets cannot exceed 8 feet in height.

Commercial and Mixed-Use Districts

Security Fences: Barbed wire and similar fences are prohibited.
Front and Corner Side Setback Fences: These fences cannot exceed 3 feet in height.
Side or Rear Setback Fences: Fences in these areas cannot exceed 8 feet, except when required to screen loading or storage areas, where they may reach up to 14 feet.

Employment Districts

Security Fences: Barbed wire and similar fences must be located at least 7 feet above adjacent grade.
Fences in Front or Corner Setback: Fences in these areas must be set back at least 20 feet from the property line and cannot exceed 6 feet in height.
Side or Rear Setback Fences: These fences cannot exceed 12 feet in height, except for certain conditions related to screening or adjacent properties.

Public Facility/Institutional District

Security Fences: Barbed wire and similar fences are prohibited unless deemed necessary for Homeland Security by the Planning and Zoning Officer.
Front and Corner Side Setback Fences: These fences cannot exceed 3 feet in height.
Side or Rear Setback Fences: Fences in these areas cannot exceed 8 feet, with the possibility of reaching up to 14 feet for screening purposes.

Community & Economic Development

Community & Economic Development