Springfield permits accessory dwelling units in single-family residential districts under the Land Development Code (Code of Ordinances Chapter 36), with the City Council's adoption of an updated Community Land Development Code expanding ADU flexibility in conjunction with the Forward SGF 2040 comprehensive plan. ADUs are reviewed under accessory-use provisions and the district regulations in Chapter 36 Article III Division 4. Missouri has no statewide ADU enabling statute — under Dillon's Rule and RSMo Chapter 89 (Zoning), zoning authority rests with the municipality.
A Springfield homeowner pursuing an accessory dwelling unit works within the Land Development Code at Code of Ordinances Chapter 36, administered by the Planning and Development Department and the Building Development Services division. The Community Land Development Code update implementing the Forward SGF 2040 plan revises Article III (Zoning Regulations) to allow ADUs in all single-family districts subject to design and operation conditions including owner-occupancy expectations, size caps relative to the primary dwelling, and parking requirements. Chapter 36 Article III Division 4 governs district regulations, with single-family districts (R-SF) historically the most restrictive on second dwellings; Article V coordinates with the building code. Section 36-433 addresses height, area, and modifications including accessory dwellings. Springfield has adopted the 2024 International Fire Code (Chapter 54 of the Code of Ordinances) and the 2018 International Residential Code with Missouri amendments; permits are issued by Building Development Services at 840 Boonville Avenue (417-864-1585). Greene County does not impose a separate building permit on parcels within the City of Springfield. Missouri State University considerations: rentals near campus in the Phelps Grove, Rountree, and University Heights neighborhoods face additional scrutiny under the Rental Inspection Program and historic district overlays. Property owners should verify current standards with Planning and Development before designing, as the Community Land Development Code is a recent update and administrative interpretation is evolving.
Constructing a second dwelling without zoning approval or building permits: stop-work order from Building Development Services, double permit fees on after-the-fact applications, mandatory exposure of concealed framing and mechanicals for inspection, and possible order to remove non-compliant work. Zoning violations are enforceable under Chapter 36 with civil penalties and injunctive relief in Greene County Circuit Court (31st Judicial Circuit). Unpermitted dwellings can also disqualify rental registration under Springfield's Rental Inspection Program.
Springfield, MO
Springfield prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and to...
Springfield, MO
Springfield regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new ...
Springfield, MO
Springfield regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Springfield, MO
Springfield requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Springfield, MO
Springfield requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Springfield, MO
Springfield restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nui...
See how Springfield's adu permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.