GeorgiaFence Rules

Cobb County

Fence Rules in Marietta, 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 Marietta, fence height limits are: front yards, 4 ft max, decorative style; Most side and back yards: 8 ft max; If that side of your lot runs along a street: 6 ft max, decorative style.

Not required for most fences; Exceptions: subdivision entrance walls need city staff approval, and a fence in a historic district visible from the street needs historic board review; Planning & Zoning: 770-794-5669.

On corner lots in Marietta: Nothing over 3 ft within 15 ft of a street intersection without Public Works approval; The side along the second street counts as street-facing: 6 ft max, decorative.

Pool fences in Marietta: 4 ft minimum, with a self-closing, self-latching gate.

Fence setbacks in Marietta: None from a property line. A fence may be built to the line; At least 2 ft back from a public right-of-way; Subdivision entrance walls may run along the right-of-way with city approval.

Prohibited fence materials in Marietta: Exposed concrete block. Used or discarded material in disrepair; Chain link in the front yard, per the city's fence FAQ; Barbed wire, spikes or electric charge: never within 6 ft of the ground, never in a street-fronting yard in residential, commercial, downtown or office zoning, no more than 20 in above the fence.

Fence Regulations

Marietta

Apply for Permit
Permit Requirements
Not required for most fences. Exceptions: subdivision entrance walls need city staff approval, and a fence in a historic district visible from the street needs historic board review. Planning & Zoning: 770-794-5669
Height - Front Yard
4 ft max, decorative style.
Height - Side/Rear
Most side and back yards: 8 ft max. If that side of your lot runs along a street: 6 ft max, decorative style.
Height Notes
Measured to the highest point of the fence or its supporting posts, whichever is higher (Zoning Ordinance Div. 724).
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
Nothing over 3 ft within 15 ft of a street intersection without Public Works approval. The side along the second street counts as street-facing: 6 ft max, decorative.
Materials Allowed
Wood, brick, stone, wrought iron, split rail, or similar durable materials.
Materials Prohibited
Exposed concrete block. Used or discarded material in disrepair. Chain link in the front yard, per the city's fence FAQ. Barbed wire, spikes or electric charge: never within 6 ft of the ground, never in a street-fronting yard in residential, commercial, downtown or office zoning, no more than 20 in above the fence.
Historic Districts
Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission for any new fence visible from a public street or sidewalk (Art. 7-8-9). Fences not visible from a street, sidewalk or public gathering area are exempt. Downtown Marietta Historic District: certificate of approval from the Historic Board of Review instead, for a new fence along a public street right-of-way, lane or alley (Art. 7-8-8). In that district both the zoning and historic district rules apply, and the more restrictive governs.
Setbacks
None from a property line. A fence may be built to the line. At least 2 ft back from a public right-of-way. Subdivision entrance walls may run along the right-of-way with city approval.
Design Requirements
Finished side (no visible posts or rails) faces out. Shadowbox and double-sided decorative fences qualify. Chain link, where allowed, is exempt.
Gates
No height, swing, setback or access rule for a fence gate. A pool gate must be self-closing and self-latching.
Source
Marietta Zoning Ordinance Sec. 710.04
Notes
Governed by Zoning Ordinance Sec. 710.04. Planning & Zoning: 770-794-5669

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 Cobb County

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

All Cobb County fence rules →

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