A lot of Dothan back yards have an easement along the rear or side line, where a utility or drainage system has the right to reach. Homeowners often want the fence on the true property line, which means crossing it. The city allows that, with one step first.
What the city requires
The fence permit application states that no fence may be built on an easement until a hold harmless agreement has been signed and submitted. And no fence may be built on a right-of-way at all.
What a hold harmless agreement means for you
In general terms, a hold harmless agreement is a promise not to hold the other party responsible. For a fence in an easement, it typically means that if crews need to remove or damage the fence to reach a line or a drain, you can't make them pay for it. Read the agreement the city gives you before signing; this is general information, not legal advice.
Ways to plan around it
- Find the easement first. Your plat or survey shows it.
- Fence inside it if losing that strip of yard is acceptable, and skip the agreement.
- Add a gate on the easement side so access doesn't mean cutting the fence.
- Choose a material that's easy to put back, like chain link or rail panels, if the fence may come down for utility work.
Right-of-way
Along the street, the public right-of-way often extends past the curb into what looks like your front lawn. The city's application is clear that fences can't go there, so measure from the property line on your plat, not from the curb.
Questions go to Permits and Inspections, (334) 615-4450.
Sources
- City of Dothan Permits and Inspections: Fence Permit Application (updated 2/11/2020)
- City of Dothan: Permit Requirements
Sources checked November 10, 2026. Ordinances, forms and prices change, so the linked page has the last word.