Reliable Handyman Services Inc.
- Wood fences
- Vinyl (PVC) fences
- Chain link
Check this with the city: Springfield's code requires a fence permit only for fences over 4 feet, but the city's application form treats fences more broadly. Ask the zoning office before you build.
Is a permit required?
Under Springfield Code section 155.069(c)(1), a fence permit from the zoning administrator is required for fences taller than four feet, in residential, commercial and industrial districts.
"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"
Source: library.municode.com
Work started before the permit is issued can be fined (section 155.069(c)(1)).
"No work shall start until the permit has been obtained."
Source: library.municode.com
How to apply
Springfield takes permit applications through an online permit portal, and the portal lists a phone number for help.
"For assistance, call (217) 789-2171"
Source: publicworks.springfield.il.us
The city's Building and Zoning Department application form (2025 version) covers fence permits.
"Building, Demolition, Roof, Sign, Floodplain, Erosion Control, Fence, Parking Lot"
Source: springfield.il.us
What it costs
Section 155.069(c)(1) gives no dollar amount; the fence permit fee is based on the standard building permit fee.
"at a cost based on the standard building permit fee"
Source: library.municode.com
How tall it can be in back and side yards
Section 155.069(a)(3): the maximum height for a residential fence is six feet above ground level (the front yard limit is lower).
"No fence may be erected which exceeds six feet in height above ground level."
Source: library.municode.com
Front yards and corner lots
Section 155.069(a)(1): a fence in a required front yard in a residential district must be at least 50% open and no more than four feet tall.
"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."
Source: library.municode.com
Section 155.069(a)(1): no privacy fence is allowed in front of the residence on the same zoning lot.
"No privacy fence may be erected in the front of a residence on the same zoning lot."
Source: library.municode.com
Section 155.069(a)(2): a fence that is less than 50% open on the street side of a corner lot must follow the same setbacks as a building.
"Any fence less than 50% open, erected on the side street of a corner lot shall be restricted to the same setback requirements as a building or structure."
Source: library.municode.com
What is not allowed
Section 155.069(a)(4): residential fences may not use barbed wire, metal spikes or other sharp pointed materials.
"No fence may be constructed with barbed wire, metal spikes, or any other sharp pointed materials."
Source: library.municode.com
Section 155.069(a)(4): chain link must go up with the knuckle side up and the barbed side at or near the ground, and no fence may be electrified.
"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."
Source: library.municode.com
Pool fences
Springfield's pool notice (revised 2017) requires a barrier at least 48 inches high around any pool that can hold water deeper than 24 inches.
"All swimming pools that are capable of holding a depth of water greater than 24” must be surrounded by a minimum 48" high fence or other barrier"
Source: springfield.il.us
Per the same notice, barrier openings may not pass a 4 inch sphere.
"Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4” diameter sphere."
Source: springfield.il.us
Per the same notice, pedestrian pool gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching.
"Pedestrian access doors or gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device."
Source: springfield.il.us
Section 155.069(f): pool fences are regulated under a separate code section (170.11.15), not the general fence section.
"The provisions of this section shall not apply to swimming pool fences regulated by section 170.11.15 of this Code."
Source: library.municode.com
Other rules
Section 155.069(c)(2): a fence permit expires if the fence is not finished within one year of issue.
"A fence permit will become null and void after one year from the date of issuance if the fence authorized by said permit has not been completed."
Source: library.municode.com
The city's application says fences in a floodplain need a floodplain development permit, and the owner is responsible for telling the city about easements.
"Developments include: New buildings, demolition, reconstruction, substantial improvements to existing buildings, swimming pools, and fences."
Source: springfield.il.us
Section 155.069(d): a variance from the fence rules is applied for the same way as other zoning variances, with action by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
"Application for a variance of any of the above provisions shall be made in the same manner as provided in section 155.213 for applications for variances."
Source: library.municode.com
Before anyone digs
Illinois law requires a call to JULIE, the state's one-call system, before digging post holes. Call 811 or (800) 892-0123, or file online, at least 3 days before work starts. The call is free, and the locate is good for 25 days. On a hired job, the company doing the digging makes the call. More on Illinois fence rules
We are not the City of Springfield. Rules change, and some neighborhoods and HOAs have their own. Confirm with the city before you build. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Fence companies that serve Springfield
Built Rite Decks Fencing Concrete & Remodeling
- Homes
- Commercial and industrial
- Says it is insured
