Birmingham, AL Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Section 5 (Walls and Fences), Subsection 2 (Permits) of the City of Birmingham Zoning Ordinance requires a fence permit, accompanied by a fee adopted by the Council (located in Chapter 9, Article VIII), before any fence or wall can be erected or placed on any property within the City. Additionally, a Permit to Develop in a Flood Hazard Area is required for construction of any wall or fence within a regulatory floodplain to ensure such walls or fencing do not obstruct, divert, or alter flood flows and create hazardous conditions on surrounding properties. Solid (masonry block) walls and continuous (wood or sheet steel) fencing can significantly obstruct flood flows; therefore, an engineering study and certification may be required, and all fences or walls in a floodplain are subject to review and approval by the Floodplain Administrator or designee. Temporary construction fences are allowed by exemption (Subsection 6): up to 6 feet in a front yard for residential property under construction or renovation, and up to 8 feet for commercial, manufacturing, or industrial property.