GeorgiaFence Rules

DeKalb County

Fence Rules in Unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia

Last verified: May 26, 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 Unincorporated DeKalb County, the maximum fence height is typically 8 ft in side and rear yards and 4 ft in front yards.

Contact DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department.

On corner lots in Unincorporated DeKalb County: Corner side yard: 4 ft max. Perimeter fences for subdivisions: 6 ft facing streets, 8 ft other property lines.

Pool fences in Unincorporated DeKalb County: Must comply with state pool safety codes.

Fence setbacks in Unincorporated DeKalb County: No fence or wall permitted in public right-of-way. Security entrance gates: min 50 ft from property line for multifamily/non-residential.

Prohibited fence materials in Unincorporated DeKalb County: Chain link and wire fences prohibited in front yards (except M and M-2 districts). Exposed common concrete block, tires, junk, pallets, railroad ties, loose stone, vinyl, and other discarded materials prohibited.

Fence Regulations

Unincorporated DeKalb County

Apply for Permit
Permit Requirements
Contact DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department
Height - Front Yard
4 ft max from finished grade (or street grade if within 15 ft of street and street is higher)
Height - Side/Rear
8 ft max
Height Notes
Height measured from finished grade. If within 15 ft of street and street grade is above finished grade, may measure from street. Grade determined by registered surveyor or licensed engineer.
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
Corner side yard: 4 ft max. Perimeter fences for subdivisions: 6 ft facing streets, 8 ft other property lines.
Materials Allowed
Front yards: brick, stone, wood, wrought iron, or material simulating wrought iron. Rear/side: standard materials.
Materials Prohibited
Chain link and wire fences prohibited in front yards (except M and M-2 districts). Exposed common concrete block, tires, junk, pallets, railroad ties, loose stone, vinyl, and other discarded materials prohibited.
Historic Districts
N/A - county jurisdiction
Setbacks
No fence or wall permitted in public right-of-way. Security entrance gates: min 50 ft from property line for multifamily/non-residential.
Design Requirements
Front yard fences must be ornamental/decorative using approved materials. Finished side facing outward.
Gates
Single-family front yard gates: max 6 ft height, set back min 15 ft from right-of-way
Retaining Walls
Max 6 ft. May be tiered up to 12 ft facing residential or 16 ft facing non-residential with licensed engineer approval. Variance possible up to 8 ft for topographical restrictions not created by owner.
Floodplain Rules
Not specified in fence regulations
Source
https://library.municode.com/ga/dekalb_county/codes/code_of_ordinances
Notes
Chapter 27 Zoning, Article 5, Division 4, Sec. 5.4.7 - Walls, fences, and retaining walls. Administrative variances available for heights up to 6 ft in single-family zones. Direct PDF: View PDF

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 Unincorporated DeKalb County with nearby jurisdictions:

All DeKalb County fence rules →

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