Fence Regulations in Jefferson County, AL (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
When a buffer strip or privacy fence is required to separate conflicting land uses in unincorporated Jefferson County, Zoning Resolution Section 1204.02 spells out exactly what qualifies: a solid wooden fence six feet tall, set fifteen feet inside the property line, with a maintained landscaped strip between the fence and the boundary.
Jefferson County Privacy Fence Standard
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Resolution § 1204.02
For a Privacy Fence, a solid wooden fence, six (6) feet in height, erected on the interior of the property in question at least fifteen (15) feet from and parallel to the property line(s) abutting the parcels that are to be screened. The land area between the privacy fence and the property line shall be grassed, natural, supplanted or otherwise maintained as a buffer strip or green belt, and bo...
Fence Permit Requirements
In the designated U.S. Highway 280 Corridor, Jefferson County requires a site plan submitted to the Department of Development Services before any building permit, including for fences and walls, will be issued. The Director must find the site plan documents full compliance with the corridor's overlay standards before the permit is granted.
Jefferson County US 280 Corridor Fence Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Regulations § 1502.02 (U.S. Highway 280 Overlay District, Administration)
1502.02 Administration. Prior to the issuance of any building permit for property located in the designated corridor of U.S. Highway 280 (as depicted on the U.S. 280 Corridor Map), hereinafter referred to as “the Highway Corridor”, the property owner, or his or her agent, shall submit a site plan and accompanying information to the Department of Development Services. Such building permit will ...
Retaining Walls
Under Sec. 1502.08 of Jefferson County's U.S. Highway 280 Corridor Overlay, any retaining wall over eight feet tall that is visible from public property must be screened with vegetation, and every retaining wall's exterior surface must match the architecture and site design of the property it sits on.
Jefferson County US 280 Retaining Wall Rule
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Resolution § 1502.08(a)-(c)
a. Except for retaining walls, smooth topographic transition shall be provided throughout the site, and between properties. Slopes steeper than a 1:3 rise-to-run ratio are prohibited. b. The exterior surface of retaining walls shall be compatible with the architecture and site design of the property. c. Retaining walls that exceed eight (8) feet in height, and which are visible from public prop...
Material Restrictions
Jefferson County's Sec. 1502.06 bans chain link, plastic, or wire fencing visible from public property inside the U.S. Highway 280 Corridor Overlay, requiring privacy fences to be masonry, ornamental metal, durable wood, or wood-look vinyl, matched in color and material to the main building on the site.
Jefferson County US 280 Fence Material Rules
Some RestrictionsJefferson County Zoning Resolution § 1502.06(a)-(d)
a. Screening walls and fences shall match the color and material(s) of the principle building(s) on the premises. b. Fences designed to create privacy or separation shall be of masonry, ornamental metal or durable wood construction; made of a vinyl that is designed and fabricated to appear as wood; or constructed with a combination of these materials. c. Chain link, plastic or wire fencing is n...
Fence Regulations by City in Jefferson County
3 cities in Jefferson County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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