City of Gulf Shores fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Gulf Shores? Yes. The City of Gulf Shores requires a permit before you build a fence.
buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Gulf Shores (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Fee
- $25.00 source
- Side and rear yards
- 8 ft max source
- Front (street) yard
- 4 ft max (front and street side yards) source
- Corner lots
- 4 ft max in street side yard source
- How to apply
- Online portal source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of Gulf Shores
- Complete the building permit application and prepare a sketch showing height, materials and location.
- Upload everything and pay the $25.00 fee through the City's online licensing and permitting portal (Citizenserve).
- If you are in beach mouse habitat or a sea turtle nesting area, get U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service approval first.
- Call 811 before digging.
Who to contact
Tamatha Norman
Permit Technician
- Phone
- 251-968-1142
- [email protected]
- Address
- 1905 W 1st Street, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Contact from gulfshoresal.gov — Building
What to submit
- Completed building permit application
- Sketch of the fence showing height, materials and location
- USFWS approval if in Alabama Beach Mouse habitat or sea turtle nesting area
Other rules to know
- Fence in Alabama Beach Mouse habitat or a sea turtle nesting area needs U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service approval.
- Fences in drainage or utility easements may be removed by the HOA or utility if the easement needs maintenance.
- Source is the City's Planning & Zoning Residential Fence Checklist (revised 04/2025).
Before you dig
Call 811 before digging post holes so underground utility lines are marked. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. County parcel maps can be off by several feet; if you're not sure where the line is, a licensed land surveyor can stake it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of Gulf Shores, AL?
Yes. The City of Gulf Shores requires a permit before you build a fence.
How tall can a fence be in the City of Gulf Shores?
Side and rear yards: 8 ft max. Front (street) yard: 4 ft max (front and street side yards). Corner lots: 4 ft max in street side yard.
How much is a fence permit in the City of Gulf Shores?
$25.00.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of Gulf Shores?
Complete the building permit application and prepare a sketch showing height, materials and location. Upload everything and pay the $25.00 fee through the City's online licensing and permitting portal (Citizenserve). If you are in beach mouse habitat or a sea turtle nesting area, get U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service approval first. Call 811 before digging. buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of Gulf Shores (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Gulf Shores?
Tamatha Norman, Permit Technician. Phone 251-968-1142, email [email protected].
Sources
Summarized from the City of Gulf Shores's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Work for the City of Gulf Shores? Help us keep this right
If anything on this page is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Municipal staff reports are reviewed first. Please include a link to the current ordinance, form or fee schedule if you can.