Springfield, IL Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)

The exemption is measured "from the lowest elevation on either side of a retaining wall," so a wall stepping down a slope is measured at its shortest exposed face on the low side, not its tallest face. The 30-inch exemption doesn't apply if the wall supports a surcharge, meaning an added load behind the wall such as a driveway, structure, or parking area bearing on the retained soil, or if it impounds flammable liquids; those walls need a permit no matter their height. Because retaining walls sit within Chapter 170's general permit and inspection scheme, any wall that does require a permit falls under Sec.

21's general permit provisions, meaning a one-year expiration from issuance and voiding if work isn't started within six months or is suspended for six months, and must pass the two-working-day inspection process described in Sec. 06(a). A permitted retaining wall also has to meet whatever setback and height standards apply under the zoning code for the property's zoning district, since exemption from the building-permit requirement under (a)(4) doesn't excuse compliance with other chapters. "