Hoover, AL Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Hoover regulates residential fences under Zoning Ordinance §9.04, "Fences and Walls in the Single Family Residential Districts." A fence built in the front yard that extends into the required front building setback is capped at four feet in height under §9.04.01.A.1, and it cannot obstruct sight distance where the street meets the driveway or block access to a fire hydrant or other public safety infrastructure. On a corner lot, the applicant must incorporate the sight triangle on the plot plan or survey filed with the fence permit application, and the City can order an obstructing fence removed or revised.

Front-yard fencing built into the setback must also be vertical wood, metal or vinyl balusters (or split rail) with at least 50% of the fence surface left open between the uprights; chain link and other wire fencing is prohibited there under §9.04.01.A.3. Outside the front setback, §9.04.02 sets the citywide backstop: "Unless otherwise stipulated herein, no fence or wall may exceed 6.5 feet in height." Subdivisions may also build a commonly owned perimeter wall or wrought-iron fence up to 6.5 feet under §9.04.01.B, but it must sit in a recorded easement, carry a stucco, brick or stone surface if masonry, and cannot stand between a house and the street right-of-way. No fence, wall, entrance feature or vehicle barricade may be located in the street right-of-way itself under §9.04.03.