Newton County
Fence Rules in Covington, 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
Covington
Permit Requirements
Fence permit required. Submit completed Fence Application to Planning and Zoning with $10 fee (payable to 'City of Covington'). Review within 10 business days.
Height - Front Yard
42 inches (3.5 ft) max in NR1, NR2, NR3 residential zones
Height - Side/Rear
8 ft max within rear or side yard
Height Notes
Heights measured from adjacent top of street curb, alley surface, or official grade (whichever higher). Interior lot lines: measured from average grade.
Pool Fences
Corner Lots
No fence or obstruction exceeding 2.5 ft within triangular area formed by intersection of ROW lines at 20 ft from intersection
Materials Allowed
Front yard: ornamental/decorative — brick, stone, stucco, split rail, wood, wrought iron. Side/rear: standard materials.
Materials Prohibited
Front yard: wire, woven metal, chain link prohibited (exception: agricultural/undeveloped property). All areas: exposed block, tires, junk, discarded material prohibited.
Historic Districts
Properties in Historic District require Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application in addition to fence permit.
Setbacks
Front yard fences within 6 inches of property line. Cannot be in public right-of-way.
Design Requirements
Front yard must be ornamental/decorative. Finished side facing outward.
Notes
County seat of Newton County. $10 permit fee, 10-day review. 42" front / 8 ft side-rear. Historic district properties need COA. Code Enforcement guide at cityofcovington.org.
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.
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