GeorgiaFence Rules

Fulton County

Fence Rules in Atlanta - Poncey-Highland, Georgia

Last verified: September 4, 2026

This page is maintained manually and may not reflect very recent ordinance changes. Always confirm current rules with your local permitting office.

For information only. Fence rules change frequently and this site may not reflect every requirement that applies to your property (HOA covenants, easements, variances, recent amendments). Always verify with your local permitting office before building. Full disclaimer

At a glance

In Atlanta - Poncey-Highland, fence height limits are: Homes: 4 ft max in any yard next to a street; Between the house and the sidewalk, a fence must be at least half open; side and rear yards, 6 ft max; Applies everywhere not next to a street.

A Type II Certificate of Appropriateness is required for a fence, wall or retaining wall in a yard next to a district right-of-way; It is issued by the director within 14 days of a complete application if the proposal meets the district rules.

On corner lots in Atlanta - Poncey-Highland: At a street corner, the triangle formed by the first 20 ft along each street must stay clear: nothing may block the view between 2 ft 6 in and 8 ft above the sidewalk; The same clear-view triangle applies where a driveway meets a street; Atlanta Code Sec. 16-28.008(9).

Pool fences in Atlanta - Poncey-Highland: No district rule of its own. Atlanta's general requirements apply.

Fence setbacks in Atlanta - Poncey-Highland: None. The district sets no fence setback from a property line, and a fence may stand in a required yard.

Prohibited fence materials in Atlanta - Poncey-Highland: Chain link and similar fencing may not be visible from a public plaza, outdoor dining area or public right-of-way; Barbed wire and razor wire are banned.

Fence Regulations

Atlanta - Poncey-Highland

Apply for Permit
Permit Requirements
A Type II Certificate of Appropriateness is required for a fence, wall or retaining wall in a yard next to a district right-of-way. It is issued by the director within 14 days of a complete application if the proposal meets the district rules.
Height - Front Yard
Homes: 4 ft max in any yard next to a street. Between the house and the sidewalk, a fence must be at least half open.
Height - Side/Rear
6 ft max. Applies everywhere not next to a street.
Height Notes
Height is measured from the ground, or from the top of a retaining wall. A retaining wall that rises above the ground it holds back counts toward the fence height. Atlanta Code Sec. 16-29.001(25). Along a required sidewalk, a fence and retaining wall together may not exceed 6 ft, unless the existing slope makes a lower retaining wall impossible. Businesses and other non-residential buildings: no fence between the building and the sidewalk, except outdoor dining fences, 3 ft max.
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
At a street corner, the triangle formed by the first 20 ft along each street must stay clear: nothing may block the view between 2 ft 6 in and 8 ft above the sidewalk. The same clear-view triangle applies where a driveway meets a street. Atlanta Code Sec. 16-28.008(9).
Materials Allowed
No material standard for fences beyond the bans listed under prohibited materials.
Materials Prohibited
Chain link and similar fencing may not be visible from a public plaza, outdoor dining area or public right-of-way. Barbed wire and razor wire are banned.
Historic Districts
You are in the Poncey-Highland Historic District. These rules apply on top of Atlanta's citywide code.
Setbacks
None. The district sets no fence setback from a property line, and a fence may stand in a required yard.
Design Requirements
Between a building and the sidewalk, a barrier must be at least half open. Anything half solid or more counts as a wall, and walls other than retaining walls are not allowed there, except to screen off-street loading areas. Atlanta Code Sec. 16-20V.018(1)(c) and Sec. 16-29.001(25).
Gates
Not addressed in the district rules.
Floodplain Rules
Atlanta's standard floodplain rules apply.
Source
Atlanta Code Sec. 16-20V.018
Notes
Governed by the Poncey-Highland Historic District rules, Atlanta Code Chapter 20V. The district has 7 subareas. Office of Buildings, Express Permits: 404-546-6907

Rules can vary within a jurisdiction. Historic districts and zoning overlays often have stricter requirements. Look up your exact address to confirm which rules apply to your property.

Other jurisdictions in Fulton County

Fence rules change from one city and unincorporated area to the next. Compare Atlanta - Poncey-Highland with nearby jurisdictions:

All Fulton County fence rules →

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