GeorgiaFence Rules

DeKalb County

Fence Rules in Brookhaven, Georgia

Last verified: May 26, 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 Brookhaven, the maximum fence height is typically 8 ft in side and rear yards and 4 ft in front yards.

Yes — a fence permit is required in Brookhaven. Permit required from Community Development Department. Free, same-day issuance for compliant applications.

On corner lots in Brookhaven: No fence within triangular area formed by intersection of street ROW lines and a line connecting points 20 ft from intersection.

Pool fences in Brookhaven: Must comply with general fence requirements.

Fence setbacks in Brookhaven: Must not be in public ROW without Public Works approval.

Prohibited fence materials in Brookhaven: Chain link prohibited beyond front plane of single-family dwelling and along ROW of multiple-frontage lots zoned residential.

Fence Regulations

Brookhaven

Apply for Permit
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
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
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
Source
https://library.municode.com/ga/brookhaven/codes/code_of_ordinances - Sec. 27-1462
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.

Other jurisdictions in DeKalb County

Fence rules change from one city and unincorporated area to the next. Compare Brookhaven with nearby jurisdictions:

All DeKalb County fence rules →

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