FAQ
Fence Questions, Answered
Huntsville Quality Fence answers common questions on costs, permits, posts and hiring for fences in Huntsville and nearby North Alabama cities.
Cost
What does a fence cost per foot?
National installed ranges: chain link about $9 to $30 per linear foot, wood about $20 to $50, vinyl about $30 to $60, aluminum about $25 to $75 and wrought iron about $50 to $85. Huntsville pricing comes from local quotes. See fence cost in Huntsville.
What does a gate add?
Nationally, installed gates average about $2,322, with most between about $879 and $3,814. Driveway gates run about $1,000 to $6,000.
What does it cost to remove an old fence?
About $3 to $8 per linear foot nationally as a standalone job, usually less as a line item on a new fence.
Permits and Rules
Do I need a fence permit in Huntsville?
No. The City of Huntsville says fences do not require a permit. Fences in the Huntsville Historic District need Historic Preservation Commission approval, and zoning height limits still apply.
What about Madison and Decatur?
Madison stopped issuing fence permits on March 1, 2017. Decatur does issue fence permits, and its zoning ordinance limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards.
What about unincorporated Madison County?
The county's residential rules exempt ordinary fences from a building permit. Pools need a barrier at least 48 inches high. Confirm details with the county inspection office.
Does my HOA have the final word?
HOA covenants are a separate set of rules on top of the city's. Many control height, material, color and style. Get approval in writing before work starts.
Building It Right
Do I have to call 811?
Yes. Alabama law requires at least two full working days' notice to Alabama 811 before digging, for homeowners too. Mark the line in white paint and hand-dig within 18 inches of any utility mark.
How deep should fence posts be?
A common rule of thumb is one-third to one-half of the above-ground height, so 24 to 36 inches for a 6-foot fence, deeper at gates and corners and in soft soil.
Why do wood posts rot here?
Huntsville averages more than 54 inches of rain a year, the soil is mostly red clay that holds water, and Alabama is in the very heavy termite-probability zone. Ground-contact-rated or steel posts and good drainage at the base help.
What are the pool fence rules?
The CPSC guidelines most codes follow call for a barrier at least 48 inches high, no openings that pass a 4-inch sphere, and outward-swinging gates that close and latch on their own. See pool fences.
Hiring a Contractor
Who actually builds the fence?
An independent local fence contractor. Huntsville Quality Fence is a referral service: we pass your request to the contractor, who deals with you directly and is responsible for the work, permits, pricing and warranty.
Does a fence contractor need a license in Alabama?
Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Board licenses residential improvement work costing more than $10,000, and the Licensing Board for General Contractors covers commercial work of $100,000 or more. Ask whether either applies to your job and check at hblb.alabama.gov or genconbd.alabama.gov.
What should be in a fence quote?
Footage, height, material grade, post size, spacing, depth and setting, gates and hardware, removal and cleanup, who calls 811, payment terms and warranty.
Request · no cost
Get quotes from local fence contractors
Tell us your city, the fence you have in mind and roughly how many feet it runs. We pass it to an independent fence contractor who works in your part of North Alabama. They contact you to walk the line and give you a written quote, and you deal with them directly.
- 1Your request goes to a fence contractor who serves your city.
- 2They call or email to measure the line and quote in writing.
- 3You decide. Hire and pay the contractor directly.
Prefer to talk? (256) 291-4793