GeorgiaFence Rules

DeKalb County

Fence Rules in Decatur, Georgia

Last verified: August 28, 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 Decatur, fence height limits are: front yards, 4 ft max; Most side and back yards: 8 ft max; Along any property line that borders a front yard, the limit drops to 4 ft.

Required for a new fence. A building permit covers it; Minor repairs and maintenance under $1,000 are exempt, unless you are in a local historic district; In a historic district, ask Planning & Zoning whether a certificate is needed first; Bring a survey or to-scale site plan showing property lines; Planning & Zoning: 404-370-4104; UDO Sec. 10.1.1.B.

On corner lots in Decatur: Nothing between 3 ft and 15 ft tall within 20 ft of the corner where two streets meet, or where a street meets a railroad. The C-2 business district is exempt; The 8 ft allowance drops to 4 ft along a line bordering a front yard; On a corner lot the 4 ft front yard is on the shorter street frontage. UDO Sec. 12.1.1.

Pool fences in Decatur: No city barrier rule. Georgia's pool code governs: 48 in minimum barrier; A pool may not sit in a required front or side yard, or closer to the street than the nearest buildings. Both street sides of a corner lot count as front; In a residential district, keep the pool 10 ft clear of any lot line. UDO Sec. 10.1.2.H, 2.1.5.A.4.

Fence setbacks in Decatur: None. A fence may be built to the property line; It must be on your own property, outside the right-of-way.

Prohibited fence materials in Decatur: None for houses. In the MU mixed-use district, barbed wire, razor wire and chain link may not be visible from a public plaza, a ground-level or sidewalk-level outdoor dining area, or the public right-of-way. UDO Sec. 4.6.5.B.

Fence Regulations

Decatur

Apply for Permit
Permit Requirements
Required for a new fence. A building permit covers it. Minor repairs and maintenance under $1,000 are exempt, unless you are in a local historic district. In a historic district, ask Planning & Zoning whether a certificate is needed first. Bring a survey or to-scale site plan showing property lines. Planning & Zoning: 404-370-4104 UDO Sec. 10.1.1.B.
Height - Front Yard
4 ft max.
Height - Side/Rear
Most side and back yards: 8 ft max. Along any property line that borders a front yard, the limit drops to 4 ft.
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
Nothing between 3 ft and 15 ft tall within 20 ft of the corner where two streets meet, or where a street meets a railroad. The C-2 business district is exempt. The 8 ft allowance drops to 4 ft along a line bordering a front yard. On a corner lot the 4 ft front yard is on the shorter street frontage. UDO Sec. 12.1.1.
Materials Allowed
Any material, unless you are in a historic district.
Materials Prohibited
None for houses. In the MU mixed-use district, barbed wire, razor wire and chain link may not be visible from a public plaza, a ground-level or sidewalk-level outdoor dining area, or the public right-of-way. UDO Sec. 4.6.5.B.
Historic Districts
Six local historic districts: MAK, Clairemont Avenue, Ponce de Leon Court, Old Decatur, Parkwood and Beacon Hill. A fence in front of the house needs full Historic Preservation Commission review, and is banned outright in Parkwood. In Clairemont Avenue, a fence under 4 ft is not subject to review. Behind the house, MAK, Old Decatur and Parkwood leave the fence to the regular zoning rules, with no Commission review. In Ponce de Leon Court, a fence behind the building line needs a Certificate of Exemption from the Commission. In Beacon Hill, every privately owned fence needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Commission, front or back. Front yard fences over 4 ft are not allowed. The city's fence handout asks for a Certificate of Exemption from Planning & Zoning first, so check with them before you apply. UDO Sec. 5.2, with Beacon Hill added by Ord. No. O-26-Z-04.
Setbacks
None. A fence may be built to the property line. It must be on your own property, outside the right-of-way.
Design Requirements
No requirement. Either side of the fence may face your property.
Gates
No residential gate rule. In the MU mixed-use district, a gate may not cross a public street or sidewalk. UDO Sec. 4.6.6.C.
Source
Decatur UDO Sec. 7.2.1
Notes
Governed by Decatur UDO Sec. 7.2.1. Planning & Zoning: 404-370-4104

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 Decatur with nearby jurisdictions:

All DeKalb County fence rules →

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