Birmingham's Walls and Fences ordinance lists allowed materials by yard: natural wood is permitted in front, side, and rear; brick, stucco-over-masonry, and chain link are permitted in side and rear only; barbed and razor wire are permitted in rear yards only and only in commercial, manufacturing, and industrial districts; and electrified fences are prohibited in all yards.
Section 5 (Walls and Fences), Subsection 7 (Construction, Materials, and Maintenance) of the City of Birmingham Zoning Ordinance sets material rules. The finished side of a fence must face the adjacent property and thoroughfare. Fences in front yards may not be opaque (except for certain uses such as junk yards), and fences placed atop a retaining wall, terrace, or patio in front yards may not be opaque. Allowed materials by yard: natural wood (front, side, and rear); brick or stucco over masonry (side and rear only); chain link (side and rear only); barbed and razor wire (rear only, and only in commercial, manufacturing, and industrial districts). Electrified fences are prohibited in all yards. All fences must be well-maintained, in upright condition, and free of missing and broken parts; salvaged materials such as pallets are not allowed.
Violation of the Zoning Ordinance is punishable under Title 1, Chapter 9, Article II, Section 11 (applying General Code Section 1-1-6): not more than a $500 fine or up to 6 months imprisonment, or both, with each day a separate offense. Maintenance failures (broken or missing parts, pallet fencing) are also enforceable.
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