GeorgiaFence Rules

DeKalb County

Fence Rules in Clarkston, Georgia

Last verified: August 29, 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 Clarkston, fence height limits are: front yards, 4 ft max, set at least 6 in inside the property line; Most side and back yards: 8 ft max, or 10 ft with a variance; Along a public street: 5 ft max, or 6 ft with a variance; Clemsil Overlay District, lots on Smith, Lincoln, Tribble, Clark or Lester Street: 4 ft max along a public street.

Required for a new fence, a replacement fence, or a repair that includes fence posts; A repair that doesn't touch the posts needs no permit; Community Development: 404-296-6489.

On corner lots in Clarkston: Two corner rules conflict. One caps anything blocking drivers' view at 2.5 ft, and anything sight-obscuring at 30 in, inside the triangle measured 20 ft along each property line from the corner. The other bans any obstruction between 3 ft and 15 ft within 25 ft of the intersection.

Pool fences in Clarkston: The code sets two conflicting minimums: one section requires at least 60 in, another at least 6 ft, both with self-closing, self-latching gates. Build to the stricter 6 ft and confirm which is enforced with Community Development: 404-296-6489.

Fence setbacks in Clarkston: A front-yard fence or retaining wall must sit at least 6 in inside the property line.

Prohibited fence materials in Clarkston: No chain link in front yards (it is not on the approved front-yard list); In a required buffer, chain link with slat inserts used as screening is banned.

Fence Regulations

Clarkston

Apply for Permit
Permit Requirements
Required for a new fence, a replacement fence, or a repair that includes fence posts. A repair that doesn't touch the posts needs no permit. Community Development: 404-296-6489
Height - Front Yard
4 ft max, set at least 6 in inside the property line.
Height - Side/Rear
Most side and back yards: 8 ft max, or 10 ft with a variance. Along a public street: 5 ft max, or 6 ft with a variance. Clemsil Overlay District, lots on Smith, Lincoln, Tribble, Clark or Lester Street: 4 ft max along a public street.
Height Notes
Height is measured from the top of the street curb, the surface of an alley, or the official established grade, whichever is higher; along a line between neighbors, from the average grade of the lot line where the fence sits. In the Clemsil Overlay District, height is measured from ground level. If the ground sits lower than the adjoining street pavement, a fence may be built tall enough to stand 4 ft above the pavement. You may not raise the ground to gain height. Sec. 319. The Clemsil boundary is set by the official zoning map, not by the street list, and the city manager settles any parcel the map leaves unclear. A fence height variance is decided by the mayor and city council. The city manager cannot grant one. Secs. 215 and 216. Separate from a variance, the city manager may approve taller fences or plantings as shielding between different uses, or between like uses if the affected parties agree, so long as corner visibility is not reduced.
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
Two corner rules conflict. One caps anything blocking drivers' view at 2.5 ft, and anything sight-obscuring at 30 in, inside the triangle measured 20 ft along each property line from the corner. The other bans any obstruction between 3 ft and 15 ft within 25 ft of the intersection. Follow the stricter combination and confirm with Community Development: 404-296-6489
Materials Allowed
Front yards: brick, stone, stucco, split rail, wood or wrought iron only. Side and back yards: vinyl-coated chain link is allowed. Clemsil Overlay District: wood, brick, stone, wrought iron or landscaping. The overlay controls where it conflicts with the lists above. Sec. 319. In a required buffer: solid materials only; painted or stained wood must be maintained, and metal fencing must be painted or vinyl coated.
Materials Prohibited
No chain link in front yards (it is not on the approved front-yard list). In a required buffer, chain link with slat inserts used as screening is banned.
Historic Districts
The city council has not designated any historic district or historic property, so no fence needs historic approval today. If a property is designated later, a fence there needs a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission, and no building permit can be issued without one. Code Ch. 15, Art. II.
Setbacks
A front-yard fence or retaining wall must sit at least 6 in inside the property line.
Design Requirements
Fence frames and foundations must be on the inside, facing your own property. In a required buffer strip only: supports face inward, posts are set in concrete for any fence over 6 ft, and the fence may step down a slope as long as supports stay vertical and plumb. Required buffers screen non-residential and higher-density development from homes; a typical single-family yard has none.
Gates
No gate rules, except pool gates, which must be self-closing and self-latching.
Source
Clarkston Zoning Secs. 319, 536-538 (Ord. No. 480, 6-6-2023)
Notes
Governed by Zoning Secs. 319 and 536 to 538. Community Development: 404-296-6489

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 Clarkston with nearby jurisdictions:

All DeKalb County fence rules →

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