City of Huntsville fence rules
Do you need a fence permit in the City of Huntsville? No. The City of Huntsville does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
At buildit.dog you can draw your fence on an aerial photo of your lot and check it against the City of Huntsville's rules before you build. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- No (typical residential fence) source
- How to apply
- Call (256) 427-5300 source
Still being confirmed with Huntsville: Does the Huntsville zoning ordinance set a maximum residential fence height (front/side/rear)?
How to build within the rules in the City of Huntsville
- Fences do not need a permit per the City FAQ; for fence questions call the City Traffic Engineer at (256) 427-5300.
- If in the Historic District, get Huntsville Preservation Commission approval first.
- Call 811 before digging.
Who to contact
- Phone
- (256) 427-5300
Contact from huntsvilleal.gov — faqs for residential construction
Other rules to know
- City FAQ says fences do not require a permit; fences in the Huntsville Historic District need Huntsville Preservation Commission approval.
- Corner lots: no fence, wall or hedge between 2 1/2 and 15 feet above street level within the 30-foot sight triangle (Zoning Ordinance 73.10, via zoneomics mirror).
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 Huntsville, AL?
No. The City of Huntsville does not require a permit for a typical residential fence, but height and placement rules still apply.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of Huntsville?
City Traffic Engineer (fence questions). Phone (256) 427-5300.
Sources
Summarized from the City of Huntsville's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Work for the City of Huntsville? 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If anything on this page is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.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.