Most Lincoln Park back yards end up with a 6-foot wood privacy fence, and we build it to the city's rules: 42-inch post holes inspected before concrete, rails on the installer's side and a 5-foot setback from the front building line.
A 6-foot wood privacy fence is the fence most Lincoln Park owners ask us about. On a narrow lot it does a lot of work: it hides the alley, screens the neighbor's windows a few feet away and keeps the dog in. We build privacy, picket and board-on-board fences in cedar and in pressure-treated pine. Cedar resists rot without treatment and stays straighter. Pine costs less and is rated for ground contact, so it makes a good post.
Lincoln Park sets clear rules for a wood fence, and we build to them. Post holes go down 42 inches, and the city inspects them before any concrete is poured. The 2x4 rails go on the installer's side, so the smooth face points toward the neighbor or the street. The fence stops 5 feet behind the front building line and stays 12 inches off the city sidewalk. The city also asks that sections can be taken off for upkeep and suggests keeping wood about 3 inches off the ground, which also helps the boards last in our wet clay.
If you have old chain link on the line, it may have to stay. Lincoln Park does not allow an existing chain link fence to be removed unless every adjoining neighbor agrees. When a neighbor says no, the new wood fence goes at least 3 inches inside the chain link and is not attached to it. We talk this through with you at the estimate so there are no surprises on install day.
Wood & cedar fences in Lincoln Park: common questions
Cedar or pressure-treated pine for a fence in Lincoln Park?
Cedar for the boards if the budget allows, because it resists rot and warps less. Pressure-treated pine is cheaper and is the better choice for posts that sit in the ground. Many fences mix the two.
Can my wood fence go all the way to the front of the house?
Not in Lincoln Park. The city's rule is that a fence can come no closer than 5 feet to the front building line. Most owners end the side runs there and add a gate.
How long before I can stain a new wood fence?
Wait until the wood is dry. Sprinkle some water on it. If it soaks in, the fence is ready. If it beads, give it a few more weeks.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit, measure and talk through options.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with material choices side by side.
- Permits & planning: We check local rules and help with permits before we dig.
- Install & clean-up: Our crew installs, cleans up and walks the finished fence with you.