Huntsville generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences at or below 6 feet, but fences exceeding 6 feet, fences in historic districts (Twickenham, Old Town, Five Points), and fences in special flood hazard areas require permits or design review approval from Huntsville Building Inspection.
Huntsville Zoning Ordinance Section 74 (Fences and Walls) sets the standard that residential fences up to 6 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards may be installed without a building permit, provided they meet setback and sight-distance requirements. Fences exceeding 6 feet require a building permit from the Huntsville Building Inspection Division under International Residential Code (IRC) adopted by reference. Properties in the locally designated Historic Districts of Twickenham, Old Town, and Five Points must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission before installing, altering, or removing any fence, per Huntsville Code Chapter 31. Fences in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas require a Floodplain Development Permit under Huntsville Code Chapter 14. All fences must be located behind the property line; a survey is strongly recommended. Homeowners should also check HOA covenants, which often impose stricter rules than city code.
Installing a non-compliant fence: stop-work order and fine of $100 to $500 per day per Huntsville Code. Historic district violations: additional fines up to $500 per Chapter 31 and mandatory removal or modification.
Huntsville, AL
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