Dothan, AL Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Dothan City Code § 114-183(b)(3) sets the fence standards enforced by the Planning and Development Department and the building official. Every fence needs a permit and must comply with the building code (§ 114-183(b)(3)a). Fences may run along any front, side or rear yard and sit on a shared property line, but a fence or hedge in a required front yard cannot exceed four feet unless it is set back to the district's minimum front-yard setback line; on a corner lot where the street side yard abuts a neighbor's front yard, that four-foot cap applies regardless (§ 114-183(b)(3)b).

Where a lot faces two roadways or is otherwise a corner lot, no opaque fence or hedge over two feet may sit within the line-of-sight sight triangle, protecting driver visibility at the intersection (§ 114-183(b)(3)c). Outside those front and corner zones, fences generally may not exceed six feet, though the building official can approve up to eight feet if the design is certified to withstand the current wind load (§ 114-183(b)(3)d). Fences must be built of a permanent, weatherproof material such as wood, vinyl or masonry; fabric, plastic sheeting or metal skinning attached to an otherwise approved fence is not permitted (§ 114-183(b)(3)h), and barbed wire is barred in residential, office and commercial districts unless the board of zoning adjustment approves it (§ 114-183(b)(3)i).

Properties in the L-I, H-I or AC zoning districts can seek a special exception from the board of zoning adjustment to exceed the four-foot front-yard cap (§ 114-183(b)(3)j).