Fence Regulations in Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Tuscaloosa, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In residential districts, a fence in the front setback of a non-corner lot must be at least 50 percent open and unobstructed, using wrought iron, pickets, chain link, or similar materials. Fences must stay out of the Sight Triangle and right-of-way, sit 10 feet back from the curb, and be kept in safe, upright condition.
Tuscaloosa Fence Requirements and Open-Front Rule
Some RestrictionsCity of Tuscaloosa Zoning Ordinance, Secs. 25-150 (Materials and Design) and 25-151 (Maintenance), Division 5, pp. VI-47 to VI-48
SEC. 25-150. MATERIALS AND DESIGN b. In Residential districts, fences located in the front setback on a lot other than a corner lot shall have a minimum of 50 percent of the fence area open and unobstructed through the use of wrought iron, pickets, chain link, or other customary fencing materials. On a corner lot in a Residential district where the predominant pattern of development consists of...
Fence Permit Requirements
Tuscaloosa's zoning ordinance doesn't create a standalone fence permit. Under Sec. 25-147, compliance review for division 5's fence and wall standards happens only when a fence is part of a planned development, conditional use, special exception, or land development permit application.
Tuscaloosa Fence Review and Permit Timing
Light RestrictionsCity of Tuscaloosa Zoning Ordinance, Secs. 25-146(a) and 25-147, Division 5 (Fence and Wall Standards), Art. VI
Except as otherwise provided in subsection b. below, all fences and walls are subject to the standards in this division. [...] Review for compliance with the standards of this division shall occur during review of a development application for a planned development (section 25-37), a conditional use permit (section 25-38), a special exception use permit (section 25-39), or a land development pe...
Neighbor Fence Rules
Fences may be placed anywhere on a lot or on the property line between privately owned lots, but are prohibited within a Sight Triangle at street/railroad intersections, may not sit in any street right-of-way, and must be at least 10 feet back from the curb line of abutting streets. A fence may not divert natural drainage onto neighboring land.
Tuscaloosa Fences, Property Lines, and Sight Triangles
Some RestrictionsCity of Tuscaloosa Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 25-148 (Location), Division 5, p. VI-46; Sight Triangle definition, p. II-30
SEC. 25-148. LOCATION a. Except as otherwise provided in this division, fences and walls are allowed anywhere on a lot, or on a property line between privately-owned lots. b. Fences and walls are prohibited within a Sight Triangle. c. Fences and walls shall not be located in any street right-of-way. d. Fences and walls shall be set back at least ten feet from the curb line of abutting streets. ...
Retaining Walls
A retaining wall may exceed the normal fence/wall height limits if the Director of Planning finds it does not unreasonably impede visibility of street traffic or of vehicles exiting driveways. Separately, the City's permit guidance requires a permit for retaining walls greater than 4 feet tall; walls under 4 feet do not need a permit.
Tuscaloosa Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsCity of Tuscaloosa Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 25-149(c) (Height), Division 5, p. VI-47; permit threshold from City 'Do I Need a Permit?' page
SEC. 25-149. HEIGHT ... c. A retaining wall may exceed the maximum heights in subsections a and b above if the Director of Planning determines it does not unreasonably impede visibility of street traffic and from vehicles exiting driveways.
Material Restrictions
The Zoning Ordinance bans fabric, rolled plastic, plastic tarps, fiberboard, plywood, and sheet metal in fences and walls. Chain link is prohibited in front-yard fences in the MFR, MFRU, Business, and Institutional districts. Razor wire, concertina wire, and similar materials are banned, and barbed or electrified wire is allowed only for confining livestock or domestic animals in an agricultural use.
Tuscaloosa Prohibited Fence Materials
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Tuscaloosa Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 25-150(a) (Materials and Design), Division 5, p. VI-47
SEC. 25-150. MATERIALS AND DESIGN a. The following materials shall not be used in fences and walls: Fabric, rolled plastic, or plastic tarps; Fiberboard; Plywood; Sheet metal; In the MFR, MFRU, Business, and Institutional districts, chain link on fences located in the front yard; Razor wire, concertina wire, and similar security fencing materials; and Barbed wire or above ground e...