Fence Regulations in Springfield, IL (2026)
6 verified fence regulations for Springfield, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
4 ft front yard, 6 ft residential, 8 ft commercial
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 155.069(a)(1), (a)(3) & (b)(3) (Ord. No. 411A-07-01, 07-24-01)
(a) Requirements in residential districts. No fence may be erected within the city and within a residential district, which does not comply with the following specifications: (1) Any fence erected in a required front yard shall be at least 50% open, and no fence erected in a required front yard may exceed four feet in height measured from ground level. A clearance of three inches shall be allow...
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.
Permit required for any fence over 4 feet
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 155.069(c) (Ord. No. 411A-07-01, 07-24-01)
(c) Permits. (1) No fence which exceeds four feet in height may be erected within any residential, commercial, or industrial district unless a fence permit is obtained from the office of the zoning administrator at a cost based on the standard building permit fee. The individual or agency actually constructing the fence shall be responsible for obtaining the permit. No work shall start until th...
Neighbor Fence Rules
Illinois has no residential shared fence cost statute. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. Agricultural boundary fencing has separate rules.
Springfield Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Springfield requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Springfield Retaining Wall Regulations
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
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 Pool Barrier & Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsMaterial 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.
No barbed wire/spikes residential; no electrified fences
Heavy RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 155.069(a)(4) & (b)(4)-(5) (Ord. No. 411A-07-01, 07-24-01)
(a)(4) No fence may be constructed with barbed wire, metal spikes, or any other sharp pointed materials. All chain link fences shall be installed with the knuckle portion of the fence up and with the barb portion of the fence at or near the ground. No fence may be electrified. ... (b)(4) Fences located in the B-1, B-2, I-1 and I-2 districts may be constructed with barbed wire, metal spikes, or ...
Looking for Sangamon County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Springfield city rules.
Fence Regulations in Sangamon County →