GeorgiaFence Rules

Fulton County

Fence Rules in Atlanta - SPI-17 Piedmont, 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 - SPI-17 Piedmont, fence height limits are: Between the street and a building: 42 in max, including plant material, and only for sidewalk-level homes or movable barriers around approved outdoor dining; Any other fence there is prohibited; Interior side and back yards: 9 ft max; Along a street, the front yard rule applies instead.

Required for any new fence. A fence is a structure under Atlanta's building code, and the code exempts no fences; Barriers around new or expanded outdoor dining also need a special administrative permit, approved by the Office of Zoning and Development before the building permit is filed.

On corner lots in Atlanta - SPI-17 Piedmont: Atlanta's standard sight-visibility rules apply.

Pool fences in Atlanta - SPI-17 Piedmont: No district rule of its own. Atlanta's general requirements apply.

Fence setbacks in Atlanta - SPI-17 Piedmont: No walls between the street and any building, except retaining walls.

Prohibited fence materials in Atlanta - SPI-17 Piedmont: Barbed wire, razor wire and uncoated chain link are prohibited.

Fence Regulations

Atlanta - SPI-17 Piedmont

Apply for Permit
Permit Requirements
Required for any new fence. A fence is a structure under Atlanta's building code, and the code exempts no fences. Barriers around new or expanded outdoor dining also need a special administrative permit, approved by the Office of Zoning and Development before the building permit is filed.
Height - Front Yard
Between the street and a building: 42 in max, including plant material, and only for sidewalk-level homes or movable barriers around approved outdoor dining. Any other fence there is prohibited.
Height - Side/Rear
Interior side and back yards: 9 ft max. Along a street, the front yard rule applies instead.
Height Notes
Where Subarea 3 or 4 adjoins a residential district (R-1 through R-G or PD-H) with no street in between: a buffer yard of at least 20 ft is required, plus a permanent solid wall 6 ft tall, kept in good condition.
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
Atlanta's standard sight-visibility rules apply.
Materials Allowed
Not restricted in this district.
Materials Prohibited
Barbed wire, razor wire and uncoated chain link are prohibited.
Historic Districts
N/A. This is a Special Public Interest district, not a historic district.
Setbacks
No walls between the street and any building, except retaining walls.
Design Requirements
Dumpsters and trash areas must be screened so they are not visible from any public plaza, outdoor dining area, public sidewalk or right-of-way. If still visible, they must be enclosed with solid walls 6 ft tall. Building mechanical and accessory features must go where they are least visible from the right-of-way. To the side or rear of the main building, screening with plants or fence materials is required. On a roof, they must be built into the building design or screened with materials matching the building.
Gates
Not addressed in the district rules.
Floodplain Rules
Atlanta's standard floodplain rules apply.
Source
Atlanta Code Sec. 16-18Q.004, .008, .010, .013, .016, Sec. 16-28.008(5) and Appendix A 103.1
Notes
Governed by the SPI-17 Piedmont Avenue district rules, Atlanta Code Chapter 16-18Q. Much stricter than the citywide code for street-facing fences.

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 - SPI-17 Piedmont with nearby jurisdictions:

All Fulton County fence rules →

Ready to build your fence in Atlanta - SPI-17 Piedmont?

FenceWorks of Georgia is Atlanta's premier fence company: residential and commercial installation, repair, and removal. Free quotes, no obligation.

Get My Free QuoteCall 770-452-9900

4.9★ on Google · Google Guaranteed · Financing available