Jefferson County, AL Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 1204 of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution, Buffer Strip and Privacy Fence Requirements, applies whenever a buffer strip, green belt or privacy fence is required or deemed necessary to protect or separate uses on adjoining parcels, commonly where a district carrying a 35-foot side or rear setback abuts a residential use. 02 defines the privacy fence option precisely: a solid wooden fence six (6) feet in height, erected on the interior of the lot at least fifteen (15) feet from and parallel to the property line abutting the parcel being screened.

The 15-foot strip of land between the fence and the boundary line must be grassed, left natural, or otherwise landscaped as a buffer, and both that strip and the fence itself must be kept neat and orderly in perpetuity by the property owner, the obligation runs with the land, not just the original permit holder. 01 is a planted buffer strip or green belt at least fifteen feet wide, with deciduous or evergreen trees no more than ten feet apart and at least one row of dense evergreen shrubs no more than five feet apart; the Director of Development Services may accept existing natural vegetation in place of new plantings if it meets the same density and function.

03: an owner who lets a required privacy fence or buffer fall into disrepair or removes it faces a citation, a Class B misdemeanor for continued noncompliance, and possible injunctive action by the County Commission.