GeorgiaFence Rules

Walton County

Fence Rules in Social Circle, Georgia

Last verified: August 31, 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 Social Circle, fence height limits are: front yards, 4 ft max; Side and back yards: 10 ft max; If that side or the back of your lot runs along a street, Sec. 15.2 counts it as a front yard and the limit drops to 4 ft.

Not required, but a certificate of appropriateness is required in the local historic district; In the district, get the certificate before you install or replace a fence, unless the city finds it is not visible from a public street; Fee: $25 for staff approval, $50 if the historic preservation commission reviews it; UDC Sec. 13.14.

On corner lots in Social Circle: Each street side counts as a front yard, so the fence along it is limited to 4 ft; Everything that is not a front yard: 10 ft max; No fence, wall, hedge or buffer along those streets may obstruct corner visibility under Sec. 2.1.6; The code sets no measurements for corner visibility.

Pool fences in Social Circle: No city rule of its own. Georgia's state pool code governs: 48 in minimum barrier.

Fence setbacks in Social Circle: None. Under Sec. 2.1.6 a fence or wall may be built right up to the property line, and may stand inside any required building setback; The only limit is corner visibility where the lot meets two streets.

Prohibited fence materials in Social Circle: No chain link along any street frontage in a residential district; No barbed wire, spikes or similar devices, and no electric fences.

Fence Regulations

Social Circle

Permit Requirements
Not required, but a certificate of appropriateness is required in the local historic district. In the district, get the certificate before you install or replace a fence, unless the city finds it is not visible from a public street. Fee: $25 for staff approval, $50 if the historic preservation commission reviews it. UDC Sec. 13.14.
Height - Front Yard
4 ft max.
Height - Side/Rear
Side and back yards: 10 ft max. If that side or the back of your lot runs along a street, Sec. 15.2 counts it as a front yard and the limit drops to 4 ft.
Height Notes
These rules apply in every zoning district except AG (agricultural). Height is measured from the finished grade at the base to the highest point. Columns, posts and ornaments may rise up to 2 ft above the limit. Wing walls: 12 ft max, or no taller than the foundation wall they attach to, whichever is lower.
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
Each street side counts as a front yard, so the fence along it is limited to 4 ft. Everything that is not a front yard: 10 ft max. No fence, wall, hedge or buffer along those streets may obstruct corner visibility under Sec. 2.1.6. The code sets no measurements for corner visibility.
Materials Allowed
Not specified. The code lists banned materials but names no approved list.
Materials Prohibited
No chain link along any street frontage in a residential district. No barbed wire, spikes or similar devices, and no electric fences.
Historic Districts
Certificate of appropriateness required before you install or replace a fence in the local historic district. Exempt only if the community development director finds the fence is not visible from a public right-of-way. Reviewed by the community development director or the historic preservation commission, depending on the scope of the work. The commission meets the second Tuesday of each month. Applications are due 30 days ahead. Building without one draws a stop-work order and doubles the fee. The city's historic district design guidelines, applied as the review standard, call for wood picket, cast iron or stone, 4 ft max across a front facade and 8 ft max in side and back yards, with chain link kept to the rear or out of sight from the street. UDC Sec. 13.14.
Setbacks
None. Under Sec. 2.1.6 a fence or wall may be built right up to the property line, and may stand inside any required building setback. The only limit is corner visibility where the lot meets two streets.
Gates
Front yard gates may be up to 6 ft tall, above the 4 ft limit on the fence itself.
Source
Social Circle UDC Sec. 8.5 (Ord. No. 2023-3, 6-20-2023)
Notes
Governed by Unified Development Code Sec. 8.5. City of Social Circle, 166 N. Cherokee Road: 770-464-2380

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 Walton County

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

All Walton County fence rules →

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