GeorgiaFence Rules

Gwinnett County

Fence Rules in Unincorporated Gwinnett 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 Gwinnett County, the maximum fence height is typically 8 ft in side and rear yards and 4 ft in front yards.

Yes — a fence permit is required in Unincorporated Gwinnett County. No permit required for fences ≤8 ft. Masonry/concrete walls >4 ft require permit. Section 230-80 UDO governs.

On corner lots in Unincorporated Gwinnett County: Corner lots have two front yards - 4 ft limit applies to both. A fence on corner lot in front yard where side of dwelling also in front yard may be 8 ft.

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

Fence setbacks in Unincorporated Gwinnett County: No fence in county right-of-way.

Prohibited fence materials in Unincorporated Gwinnett County: Chain link/woven wire/hog wire/barbed wire prohibited in front yard (<3 acres). Exposed concrete block, tires, scrap metal, sheet metal, plastic/fiberglass sheeting, vinyl siding/fabric, plywood, pallet material, junk prohibited everywhere.

Fence Regulations

Unincorporated Gwinnett County

Apply for Permit
Permit Requirements
No permit required for fences ≤8 ft. Masonry/concrete walls >4 ft require permit. Section 230-80 UDO governs.
Height - Front Yard
4 ft max within required front building setback
Height - Side/Rear
8 ft max
Height Notes
Corner lots have 2 front yards. Stormwater facility fences: 6 ft max. Tennis courts: 12 ft max. Subdivision entrance features: 10 ft max (requires Director approval).
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
Corner lots have two front yards - 4 ft limit applies to both. A fence on corner lot in front yard where side of dwelling also in front yard may be 8 ft.
Materials Allowed
Properties <3 acres in front yard: brick, stone, wood, stucco, wrought iron, split rail. Properties ≥3 acres: woven wire/chain link OK in front.
Materials Prohibited
Chain link/woven wire/hog wire/barbed wire prohibited in front yard (<3 acres). Exposed concrete block, tires, scrap metal, sheet metal, plastic/fiberglass sheeting, vinyl siding/fabric, plywood, pallet material, junk prohibited everywhere.
Historic Districts
N/A - county jurisdiction
Setbacks
No fence in county right-of-way
Design Requirements
Fences must be maintained structurally sound. No external bracing in lieu of repairs.
Gates
Not specifically addressed
Retaining Walls
Subject to separate regulations
Floodplain Rules
Not specified in fence regulations
Source
http://gwinnettcounty.elaws.us/code/coor_apxa_ch230_sec230-80
Notes
Section 230-80 UDO. Electric/barbed wire prohibited in residential except lots ≥3 acres meeting livestock requirements. Contact Planning & Development at 770-822-8000. Fence guidance PDF: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/upload/pnd/Guidance... eLaws source intermittently unavailable. Municode backup: https://library.municode.com/ga/gwinnett_county/codes/cod...

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 Gwinnett County

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

All Gwinnett County fence rules →

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