Springfield's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Springfield, Illinois, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Fence Permit Requirements

Any fence over four feet tall in a residential, commercial, or industrial district requires a fence permit from the Office of the Zoning Administrator (Building & Zoning Department), at a cost based on the standard building permit fee. No work may start until the permit is issued, and the permit becomes void one year after issuance if the fence is not completed.

Key details: Permit threshold: Any fence over 4 ft. Issuing office: Office of the Zoning Administrator (Building & Zoning Dept.). Fee basis: Standard building permit fee. Permit expiration: Void 1 year after issuance if not completed. Code Section: Sec. 155.069(c).

Any individual or agency that starts work before applying for and receiving a fence permit is subject to a fine based on the standard fines associated with building other structures without a permit; this fine may be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any additional fines or penalties provided for in Chapter 155. A permit left incomplete becomes null and void one year after issuance.

Height Limits

Springfield caps fences in a required front yard at 4 feet (and they must be at least 50% open), limits residential fences to 6 feet overall, and allows up to 8 feet in commercial and industrial districts. Recreational fences (tennis, baseball backstops, etc.) may be taller with a permit.

Key details: Front yard max (residential): 4 ft, must be 50% open. Residential overall max: 6 ft above ground level. Commercial/industrial max: 8 ft above ground level. Install clearance excluded: 3 in.. Code Section: Sec. 155.069(a), (b), (e).

Building a fence taller than allowed (over 4 ft in a front yard, over 6 ft residential, or over 8 ft commercial/industrial) without a variance is a zoning violation enforced by the Office of the Zoning Administrator. Because any fence over four feet also requires a permit, an over-height fence built without one is subject to the standard fines for building structures without a permit, in addition to any other penalties under Chapter 155, and may have to be lowered or removed.

Material Restrictions

Springfield prohibits barbed wire, metal spikes, and other sharp materials on residential fences and bans electrified fences citywide. Chain-link fences must be installed knuckle-up with the barb at or near the ground. Commercial and industrial B-1, B-2, I-1 and I-2 districts may use sharp materials only above six feet.

Key details: Residential barbed wire/spikes: Prohibited. Electrified fences: Prohibited (all districts). Chain link install: Knuckle up, barb at/near ground. Sharp materials (B-1/B-2/I-1/I-2): Allowed only 6-8 ft above grade. Code Section: Sec. 155.069(a)(4), (b)(4)-(5).

Installing prohibited materials (barbed wire, spikes, or sharp points on a residential fence, an electrified fence anywhere, or sharp materials below six feet in B-1/B-2/I-1/I-2) is a Chapter 155 zoning violation. Because the fence also typically exceeds four feet and requires a permit, a non-compliant fence built without a permit is subject to the standard fines for building structures without a permit, plus any additional penalties under the chapter, and may be ordered modified or removed.

This is one of the stricter rules in Springfield's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Retaining Walls

Springfield doesn't require a building permit for a retaining wall under 30 inches tall. Sec. 170.10.22(a)(4) exempts retaining walls measured from the lower grade unless the wall supports a surcharge or impounds flammable liquids, in which case a permit and engineering review are required regardless of height.

Key details: Permit-exempt height: 30 inches or less. Measured from: Lowest elevation on either side. Exemption void if: Wall supports a surcharge. Exemption void if: Wall impounds flammable liquids. Governing section: Sec. 170.10.22(a)(4), Exempted work.

Building a retaining wall over 30 inches tall, or any wall that supports a surcharge or impounds flammable liquids, without first obtaining a building permit is a Chapter 170 violation subject to citation by a building inspector and can require the work to be exposed for inspection or corrected. The permit exemption under Sec. 170.10.22(a)(4) never excuses noncompliance with the zoning code's other requirements for the structure.

The Bottom Line

Springfield's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Springfield is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Springfield's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.