City and county rules
Inside city limits, Arab's own zoning and building rules apply; we could not confirm whether Arab requires a fence permit, so call the city before building. Outside the city, Marshall County or Cullman County applies, depending on the parcel. Subdivision covenants apply wherever they exist.
Plateau ground is different
Arab is not on the Tennessee Valley floor like Huntsville and Madison. It is on top of a mountain plateau, where soils can be shallower and rock closer to the surface. That changes how posts go in: augers can hit rock at shallow depth, and contractors may need to core, set posts in rock with grout, or use surface-mounted bases. Ask how each contractor handles rock and whether it is in the price or extra.
Which way the water goes
The city sits on the Tennessee Valley Divide. The north side drains to Cotaco Creek or Shoal Creek and on to the Tennessee River; the south half drains toward the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River. On a ridge-top lot, heavy rain runs off fast in sheets. A solid fence tight to the ground across that flow can trap water against the posts or push it toward a neighbor. Leave a gap at the bottom or plan the line around the drainage.
Typical fence work
- Backyard wood and vinyl privacy fences in town.
- Farm fence and drive gates on acreage outside town.
- Chain link dog yards on larger lots.
Alabama 811 needs notice at least two full working days before any digging, on the mountain as in the valley.
Getting quotes
Send a request through the contact page with your street or road, fence type and footage. We pass it to an independent fence contractor who works the Arab and Brindlee Mountain area; you deal with them directly.
Main guide: fence companies in Huntsville, AL.