Fence Regulations in Springfield, MO

If you live in Springfield or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Springfield has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Height Limits

Springfield lets side and rear yard privacy fences run up to 7 feet solid, but front-yard fencing must stay at least 50% open: a solid privacy fence isn't allowed between your house and the street.

Key details: Side/rear privacy fence max: 7 feet, solid allowed. Front yard fence max: 4 feet, 50% open. Fence post width exemption: Up to 4 inches. Governing section: LDC § 36-453.

Erecting a taller or more solid fence than the Land Development Code allows is a municipal ordinance violation, enforceable through a building official's notice, municipal court prosecution, or a court injunction requiring the fence to be brought into compliance.

Retaining Walls

Springfield's Land Development Code lets homeowners build retaining walls up to four feet tall without a permit; taller walls, or any wall holding back a surcharge or hazardous liquids, require one.

Key details: Permit-exempt height: 4 feet or less. Height measured: footing bottom to wall top. Always needs permit: surcharge or Class I-III-A liquids. Permit authority: Building Development Services. First-offense fine: $200 minimum.

Building a retaining wall over four feet without a permit is an unlawful act under LDC § 36-165, punishable under § 36-171 at $200 for a first offense, $400 for a second, $500 after, each day a separate offense.

Fence Permit Requirements

Any fence built in Springfield, Missouri counts as a regulated structure requiring a building permit from Building Development Services; front-yard fences get that permit free of charge.

Key details: Permit needed for: Any fence (structure). Front-yard fence permit cost: Free. Issuing department: Building Development Services. Permit expires if unused: 180 days.

Constructing a fence without the required permit is a municipal ordinance violation under LDC § 36-165, subject to a violation notice, municipal court prosecution, or a city-sought injunction to compel compliance.

Material Restrictions

Springfield's general zoning code doesn't dictate what material a residential fence must be: it caps height and openness instead: four feet and 50 percent open in front yards, seven feet elsewhere, with a free permit required up front.

Key details: Governing section: LDC § 36-453(5)-(6). Front yard max height: 4 feet, 50% open. Side/rear yard max height: 7 feet. Permit: required, no charge, front yard. Material restriction: none citywide.

Front-yard fences over four feet, or with less than 50 percent open area, violate § 36-453(6); building without the required (free) permit is also a violation.

The rules around material restrictions in Springfield lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

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.

This guide is based on Springfield's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.