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Should I choose a wood privacy fence or vinyl for my backyard?
Wood privacy fence suits homeowners who want a solid, natural look they can stain, while vinyl holds its color without repainting and rinses clean with a hose. Both can screen a patio, pool, or side yard, but panel style, height limits, and wind exposure should be checked before ordering materials.
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What makes a fencing project cost more?
Pricing depends on linear footage, material choice, fence height, gate count, terrain, and whether an old fence must be removed first. Sloped yards, tight access, or existing concrete footings slow installation and add labor. Because scope changes the number, a fence installation in New Lenox, IL starts with an onsite review that turns a rough idea into a usable estimate.
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Do I need a permit for a fence in New Lenox, IL?
Yes. New Lenox lists fences among the projects that require a miscellaneous permit, and no work can begin until that permit is paid for and issued. Applications are accepted online. Confirm requirements for your parcel with the Village Community Development Department before ordering materials. See Village of New Lenox online permitting.
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What do I need to submit with a fence permit application?
A completed miscellaneous permit form and a plat of survey showing the proposed fence location and height are required. A contractor proposal is not accepted as the site plan. The published fence permit fee is $75.00, and a complete packet usually avoids a second review cycle. Full details are in the Village Miscellaneous Permits Guide.
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How tall can a residential fence be in New Lenox?
For residential property, the maximum fence height is 3 feet in a front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards, other than corner lots. These are residential Village standards rather than blanket rules for every property type, so confirm the limit that applies to your zoning district before finalizing a design.
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What fence height applies on a corner lot?
On corner lots, the maximum height in a corner side yard is 4 feet. Visibility rules are stricter near intersections: no fence over 2 feet is permitted within 10 feet of a right-of-way line for 40 feet from the intersection of right-of-way lines, or from a right-of-way and driveway intersection. Source: New Lenox zoning code on Municode.
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Which way should the fence posts face?
Supporting posts must be exposed to the interior of the lot rather than facing adjoining properties, and fences may be installed on or inside the property line. Reviewing the plat of survey and any easements early keeps the frame on the correct side and avoids a rebuild later.
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Can the Village requirements change for a fence I already planned?
Yes, published guides and code text can be updated, so the safest approach is to confirm current requirements before ordering materials or scheduling the dig. Yard location, height, corner visibility, and post orientation all affect what is allowed. Treat any guidance here as informational and verify your specific parcel with the Village.
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How long does a typical fence installation take?
Most single-family yards are completed in one to three days once the permit is issued and materials are on site. Larger commercial perimeters, long runs, or multiple gates take longer. Weather, ground conditions, and utility locate timing all affect scheduling, and you get a realistic window after the onsite review.
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Should I call before digging fence post holes?
Yes. Calling 811 for a utility locate is standard practice before any excavation, so buried lines are marked before posts are set. Digging first risks service damage, repair bills, and delays. Locate requests are scheduled around the dig date, and the tolerance zone is respected before breaking ground.
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Can you remove and dispose of my old wood or chain link fence?
Replacement work usually starts with tearing out the existing wood or chain link fence, hauling panels and posts away, and checking whether footings can be reused. Removal, disposal, and any concrete repair are quoted as part of the scope, so the final number does not change halfway through the project.
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Do you install gates and access control?
Walk gates, double drive gates, and automatic openers can be planned with the fence line. For commercial properties, we look at entry width, traffic, and access control so gates match how the site is actually used. Rough opening, hardware, and swing direction are set before panels go up.
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Can a new fence match an existing fence on my property?
Often yes. Matching board size, panel profile, color, and post spacing keeps a repair or extension looking continuous. Some profiles are discontinued, so bring photos and measurements to the estimate. If an exact match is not available, we discuss a compatible alternative instead of an obvious patch.
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What is the difference between wrought iron, aluminum, and steel fencing?
Wrought iron offers a traditional, heavy ornamental look. Aluminum keeps a similar appearance at a lighter weight with less upkeep. Steel fencing is the sturdiest choice for heavy-duty security and commercial perimeters. All three keep sightlines open, which suits front yards, pools, and controlled entries where visibility matters.
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How do I start a fencing project in New Lenox?
Share your property type, approximate linear footage, and whether you need a gate. We review the layout onsite, walk through material options, and confirm what the Village permit process will require before scheduling. Request a fence estimate and we will follow up with next steps.