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1. Do I need a fence permit?

Effective March 1, 2017, the Permitting Division of the Building Department will no longer issue fence permits. If you are installing a fence in the City of Madison Historic District, you will still need approval by the Historic Preservation Commission.

***If a fence is placed in an easement, you will be doing so AT YOUR OWN RISK. Should the City need to access the easement for any lawful purpose, it may, if necessary, remove any fences or hedges therein without replacing them and could be subject to code enforcement.***

Please reference the City Ordinances listed below pertaining to fences:

SECTION 5-3. VISIBILITY AT INTERSECTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
On a corner lot in all residential zoning districts, no fence, wall, hedge, or other planting or structure that will obstruct vision between a height of two and one-half (2 1/2) and six (6) feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets shall be erected, placed, or maintained within the triangular area formed by the right-of-way lines at such corner lots and a straight line joining said right-of-way lines at points which are thirty (30) feet distant from the intersection of the right-of-way lines and measured along said right-of-way lines.

SECTION 5-8. FENCES, WALLS, AND HEDGES
(Ord. 97-142, 12-8-97)
Notwithstanding other provisions of this Zoning Ordinance, fences, walls, and hedges may be permitted in any side or rear yard, or along the side or rear edge of any front yard; provided that no solid fence, solid wall, or hedge along the edge of the front yard shall constitute any obstruction to visibility above two and one-half (2 1/2) feet above ground level. Hedges shall be permitted in required front yards, provided they do not extend into the street right-of-way or constitute an obstruction to visibility above two and one-half (2 1/2) feet above ground level. Hedges and fences shall be permitted in City easements, provided that, if the City accesses the easement for any lawful purpose, it may, if necessary, remove any fences and hedges therein without replacing them.

SEC. 30-3. - OBSTRUCTING DITCHES, ETC.
(Code 1979, § 18-3; Code 1992, § 17-3; Ord. No. 2014-106, § 1, 7-15-2014)
It shall be unlawful for any person to obstruct any ditch, storm drainage pipe, or waterway within any public right-of-way, public drainage easement, or natural stream so as to impede the flow of water in such ditch, storm drainage pipe, or waterway.

2. How do I apply for a building permit for a new home?

Print out and complete the Building Permit Application. You will need to provide a dimensioned site plan showing the location of the building on the lot, as well as two complete set of building plans. Submit this information to the Building Department for review & for permit issuance before construction begins. You may also visit our forms & applications page for additional helpful information on permit submittal.
Building Permit Application

3. When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required for any new construction and when any changes are done to a structure to include room additions and major alterations such as windows, vinyl siding, roof replacement, etc. If you are unsure if a building permit is required, please contact our Permitting Staff at (256) 772-5644 before construction begins.

4. How long does it take to get a permit?

Once plans are submitted, new residential homes, additions, and alteration permits can take up to three days for the review process. Commercial plans typically require a 14-day turnaround period for permit issuance. With most trade permits it only takes a few minutes to process.

5. Do I need a permit for a sign?

Yes. You must fill out a Sign Permit Application and attach a drawing of the sign. Commercial signs must be reviewed by the Planning Department as well as the Building Department to ensure they meet zoning and building code requirements. For further questions regarding sign regulations, contact Sherri Williams, Assistant Planner, at (256)772-5638.

6. Does the Building Department process permits online?

You can access most of our permit applications under Forms & Applications. When completed, these forms are set so they can be emailed to our Permitting Staff, and for your convenience, this will speed up your visit to our office. However, at this time, you must come to our office to pay for the permit. Forms & Applications

7. What methods of payments can be used to purchase permits?

Our office accepts cash, checks, Visa, and MasterCard.

8. How do I request an inspection on my construction project?

Please call our office at (256) 772-5644.

9. Will the Building Department do a Code Interpretation on construction plans or on a job site?

Absolutely. Please call us at (256) 772-5644 to schedule this.

10. Do I need a building permit for a detached residential structure?

For residential detached structures more than 200 square feet in size (including all floors if a two story building) and for commercial structures more than 120 square feet in size (including all floors if a two story building), a building permit is required.

11. Can I act as a contractor to build my personal home?

Yes. However, you must physically occupy your home for a period of no less than one year from the date the house was issued a Certificate of Occupancy. You will also be required at the time of permit issuance to sign an affidavit stating that you plan to occupy the residence. All work may be performed by the owner/builder with the exception of gas pipe installations. If the owner/builder hires someone else to do certain work such as plumbing or heating and air conditioning, then Alabama licensed contractors must be used and they must have a valid City of Madison license.

12. When should I contact the Code Enforcement Division regarding a property where grass is overgrown?

It shall be a violation for any person to permit grass & weeds to grow to a height in excess of 12 inches on any premises or lot owned by such person within the City.

13. Is a fence required around a residential pool?

Yes. For safety reasons, a 4 foot fence is required around pools.

14. What are the permit fees for a new house?

Permit fees for a new house are calculated by taking the heated square feet and multiplying by 1.2, and taking the unheated square feet and multiplying by 0.3. Add the sum of the two and you will have your permit cost.

15. What is considered an abandoned vehicle?

An abandoned vehicle is any vehicle without a current required license plate and tag or one that is inoperable, unused, stripped, scrapped, junked, discarded, dismantled, wrecked, on blocks or similar devices or with deflated tires.

16. Is a permit needed to advertise my garage sale?

No, there is no permit required for a garage sale. However, please keep in mind that signs such as garage sale signs are only allowed on private property with the permission of the property owner. No signs will be permitted on any utility pole, traffic signs or placed in a manner that will obstruct roadway vision. No signs including garage sale signs are allowed in the right-of-way at any time.