Springfield, OH Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Section 1120.04(d) SECURITY FENCING governs prohibited and restricted fence materials in the City of Springfield, Ohio. Except in the R-AG district, barbed wire and electric fences are subject to specific limits rather than an outright ban. Barbed wire itself must consist of twisted wires with barbs spaced at least four inches apart, and concertina wire is prohibited outright under Section 1120.04(d)(1). Section 1120.04(d)(2) confines barbed wire fencing to the R-AG district, except for enclosures of agricultural operations elsewhere, and requires the bottom strand to sit at least six feet above grade.

In industrial districts, Section 1120.04(d)(3) allows barbed wire on gate arms, fences, and screens only at least eight feet above natural grade, keeping it out of reach at ground level. Electric fences are limited to enclosing agricultural operations and, under Section 1120.04(d)(4), cannot carry a charge greater than 25 milliamperes or a pulsating current longer than one-tenth of a second in a one-second cycle; every charger must carry an approved testing laboratory's seal. Section 1120.04(d)(5) bars both barbed wire and electric fencing within five feet of a public sidewalk, or within five feet of a street right-of-way line where no sidewalk yet exists, protecting pedestrians who might brush against a fence line.