DeKalb County
Fence Rules in Brookhaven, Georgia
Last updated May 26, 2026
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
Fence Regulations
Brookhaven
Permit Requirements
Permit required from Community Development Department. Free, same-day issuance for compliant applications.
Height - Front Yard
4 ft max (no more than 50% opaque along road frontage). Gates may be up to 6 ft in front yard.
Height - Side/Rear
8 ft max along all property lines except front
Height Notes
Fences between front of primary structure and ROW: 6 ft max. Columns/posts can exceed max height by 2 ft.
Pool Fences
Corner Lots
No fence within triangular area formed by intersection of street ROW lines and a line connecting points 20 ft from intersection
Materials Allowed
Not specifically restricted; decorative elements required
Materials Prohibited
Chain link prohibited beyond front plane of single-family dwelling and along ROW of multiple-frontage lots zoned residential.
Historic Districts
N/A
Setbacks
Must not be in public ROW without Public Works approval
Design Requirements
Fences >3 ft need column or decorative element every 8 linear feet. Front yard fences along road frontage must be no more than 50% opaque.
Gates
Not specifically addressed
Retaining Walls
Single-family: 4 ft max (can get 2 ft variance from Planning Director). Max 8 ft with ZBA variance. Distance from side property line must be at least half the distance to setback line.
Floodplain Rules
Not specified in fence ordinance
Notes
Ordinance amended June 29, 2017. Heights measured from finished grade to highest point. Fence permit checklist PDF: View PDF
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.
Ready to build your fence?
FenceWorks of Georgia is Atlanta's premier fence company — residential and commercial installation, repair, and removal. Free quotes, no obligation.