Auburn, AL Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

Auburn does not impose a citywide list of permitted or prohibited residential fence materials, so wood, vinyl, masonry, chain link and similar materials are generally allowed in residential yards under the Section 502.02 yard allowance. The principal material restriction is found in the Corridor Overlay regulations: Section 429.07.C provides that "No type of wire fabric fencing material shall be used forward of the front plane of the primary structure," and "Fences in the front yards shall not exceed four (4) feet in height." These corridor rules apply to lots fronting designated arterial or collector corridors and generally exempt single-family residential development. For specific non-residential uses, the ordinance requires opaque screening - for example, storage and salvage uses must be enclosed by a continuous fence or wall of masonry, wood or other opaque material at least 6 feet high without openings (use-specific standards), and the Corridor Overlay's broader design review (Section 429.05) lists preferred cladding materials such as brick, stone, stucco and decorative concrete block for buildings and screening structures. Retaining and terrace walls are excluded from the 'structure' definition (Section 203). Historic-district properties may face additional material review. There is no electric-fence or barbed-wire residential prohibition stated in the general fence allowance, though barbed wire appears only in specific security-fencing contexts (e.g., telecommunications compounds).