Fence Regulations in Madison, AL (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Madison, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In Madison, fences, walls and planters may reach up to eight feet in interior side and rear yards. Front-yard fences may not exceed 42 inches (3.5 feet) in height. Corner-lot fences must also meet intersection visibility rules.
Fence Height Limits in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison Zoning Ordinance § 5-7-2(A)(1)(b)
Fences, walls, planters and similar structures may be placed up to the property line in interior side and rear yards provided they do not exceed eight feet in height... Fences, walls, planters and similar structures may be placed in the front yard provided they do not exceed 42 inches in height.
Permit Requirements
No. Effective March 1, 2017, Madison's Building Department stopped issuing fence permits. Fences in the Historic District still need Historic Preservation Commission approval, and all fences must comply with the Zoning Ordinance.
Do You Need a Fence Permit in Madison, AL?
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison FAQ (Building Department), QID 307
Effective March 1, 2017, the Permitting Division of the Building Department will no longer issue fence permits. If you are installing a fence in the City of Madison Historic District, you will still need approval by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Madison lets fences be placed up to the property line in interior side and rear yards. The Zoning Ordinance sets height and drainage rules but does not assign shared-fence cost or maintenance, which are civil matters between neighbors.
Fences and Neighbor Property Lines in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison Zoning Ordinance § 5-7-2(A)(1)(b)
Fences, walls, planters and similar structures may be placed up to the property line in interior side and rear yards provided they do not exceed eight feet in height and do not block or divert drainage.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls in Madison must be set back at least one foot from any dedicated easement or right-of-way. Unlike fences, retaining walls are not exempt from that easement clearance rule under the Zoning Ordinance.
Retaining Wall Rules in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison Zoning Ordinance § 5-7-4
Buildings and other structures, including overhangs and projections, as well as accessories such as porches, patios, and parking facilities except for single family residences, and retaining walls, but excluding fences, shall be no closer than one foot from a dedicated easement or right-of-way.
Fence Requirements
Madison requires clear visibility at intersections. No fence, wall, berm or planting may obstruct the sight triangle between 3.5 feet and eight feet above the street or driveway surface, whichever is higher.
Fence Requirements at Intersections in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison Zoning Ordinance § 4-5-1
Clear visibility at intersections must be maintained between a height of 3.5 feet and eight feet as measured from the surface of a street or driveway, whichever is higher, within required sight triangles. No planting, fence, wall, berm, or other obstruction may be placed in a required sight triangle unless it conforms to the height restrictions.
Material Restrictions
Madison limits fence and wall materials to an approved list: wood; brick, stone or cast-stone; decorative block; stucco over masonry; wrought iron or decorative metal; composite fencing; PVC vinyl; or other material approved by the Planning Director.
Fence Material Restrictions in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison Zoning Ordinance § 7-7-1(B)
Unless otherwise permitted by these regulations, fences and walls shall be constructed of one or more of the following materials: Wood; Brick, stone, or cast-stone; Decorative, architectural, or split-faced block; Stucco over standard concrete masonry blocks; Wrought iron or decorative metal; Composite fencing; PVC vinyl; Other material approved by the Planning Director.
Approved Materials
Approved Madison fence materials include wood, brick/stone/cast-stone, decorative or split-faced block, stucco over masonry, wrought iron or decorative metal, composite fencing, and PVC vinyl. Any other material needs Planning Director approval.
Allowed Fence Materials in Madison, AL
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison Zoning Ordinance § 7-7-1(B)
Unless otherwise permitted by these regulations, fences and walls shall be constructed of one or more of the following materials: Wood; Brick, stone, or cast-stone; Decorative, architectural, or split-faced block; Stucco over standard concrete masonry blocks; Wrought iron or decorative metal; Composite fencing; PVC vinyl; Other material approved by the Planning Director.
Looking for Madison County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Fence Regulations in Madison County →