Springfield, MO Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
Fences not exceeding seven feet in height and which comply with the provisions of subsection (6).(6)Vision obstruction restrictions.(a)Front yards.1.No obstructions in front yards. On any lot on which a front yard is required by this article, no wall, fence or other structure shall be erected and no hedge, tree, shrub, or other growth or object of any kind shall be maintained in such location within such required front yard so as to obstruct the view, except as permitted by this subsection.2.Fences in front yards.a.Open fences not exceeding 50 percent screening and four feet in height above yard grade shall not be deemed to obstruct the view.b.The square footage of the open voids shall be measured by taking the total square footage of an area defined by the length of the fence and a height of four feet above yard grade, and subtracting the total square footage of screening within the fence. The percent of open voids shall then be derived by dividing the total square footage of the open voids by the total square footage of the area calculated above, and multiplying this figure by 100. The fence's framing (the vertical posts supporting the fence from the ground and no more than two horizontal cross bars between the posts) shall not be included in the calculation of the total square footage of screening, provided the framing posts and cross bars do not exceed a four-inch width and the posts are spaced at least eight feet apart.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Homeowners in Springfield, Missouri can build a fully solid privacy fence up to 7 feet tall along side and rear property lines under LDC § 36-453(5)(b)3. Facing the street, the rules flip: front-yard fences may not exceed 4 feet and must stay at least 50 percent open, so a continuous solid privacy panel isn't permitted there. When calculating openness, the fence's support posts and up to two horizontal cross rails don't count against the screening percentage as long as posts are no wider than 4 inches and spaced at least 8 feet apart, which lets a lattice or picket-style front fence qualify as open.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a solid privacy fence in my Springfield backyard?
Why can't I build a solid privacy fence facing the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
How Springfield compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Springfield to another location·View the Missouri fence regulations overview
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