Fences Allowed? North Suburbs (Chicago, Glenview: HOA, how much, house)

[gflock]

We are looking for a house in the general area of Glenview, Northbrook, Lincolnshire, Lake Forrest, Deerfield, but anything we SEEM to like, fences are not allowed in the subdivisions. Can anyone tell us what subdivisions ALLOW fences? We want one for our backyard for our dog. Also, ideally, we would like 1/4 acre - 1/2 acre sized lot. Any assistance would be appreciated!!! Thanks

[tcs1366]

What i would do is contact the local village/building department.
if it is specific subdivision you are looking at, see if there is an HOA and contact them.

We have a HOA, we allow fences, but with restrictions.

that was the very first thing we asked our builder... are fences allowed. we too have pets and will always fence in.

[US-Traveller]

I would just live in a non-subdivision. There aren't that many subdivisions with active HOAs in those suburbs you named.

I don't know how much you are spending, but generally more expensive homes are outside of the subdivisions in the Chicago area.

[middle-aged mom]

I am NW of your desired areas and there are several sub divisions in the greater Barrington area that do not allow fences. Those with dogs use invisible fences. Is this something you can consider?

[SBD]

A couple of questions here might help you as you determine what is best for you in regards to having a dog:

1) Is your dog large or small?
2) Does your dig bark a lot or not much?

We used to live in Northbrook and now in Lincolnshire. While all of the suburbs you mentioned are great schools, shopping etc - if you will have a dog for quite some time, there are some things to consider such as:

* Of the suburbs you mention, Lincolnshire will consistently have larger lots. Standard lot is 1/2 acre. With more space between homes, and also more trees than surrounding suburbs, there is more of a country feel and privacy. Dog barking is generally not a concern because the trees and space help. When we lived in Northbrook, we received a friendly call from the police that a neighbor was complaining about our dog barking. This was on about a 13,000 sq ft lot with a 6ft wood fence (around 1/2 the size lot we have now). Now, we don't even have a true fence, but instead we have an invisible fence. These are much less expensive to install and maintain. People here like them so that the neighborhoods have a more open feel. However, you are allowed to put up fences in Lincolnshire - they are just less common than Northbrook, Glenview etc.

One other thing to consider is the size of your dog. If it is small, you need to be more cautious of coyotes in Lincolnshire, and some areas of Lake Forest. Even owls have been known to go after very small dogs. If you dog is larger, they generally won't be bothered. We had a coyote walk right through our yard while the dog was resting out there. The coyote had no interest in bothering him since he is about twice the size of most coyotes.

Again, all great suburbs, but Northbrook/Glenview areas have a much more urban/suburban feel to them - while Lincolnshire/areas of Lake Forest have more of a rural/suburban feel...just depends what you like. Good luck!

[chet everett]

Get a pool. I don't know of any HOA's that would deny a fence for a pool...

[threecats407]

I lived in Glenview and Northbrook. I think most restrictions would have to do more with the height of the fence