GeorgiaFence Rules

Madison County

Fence Rules in Unincorporated Madison 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 Madison County, the maximum fence height is typically 6 ft in side and rear yards and 4 ft in front yards.

Open-type fences must be approved by the Building Official prior to erection. Solid fences must have plans approved by the Building Department prior to erection.

On corner lots in Unincorporated Madison County: No obstruction higher than 2 feet above curb/street elevation on corner lots within the triangular restricted area at intersections (Section 93.080(B)).

Pool fences in Unincorporated Madison County: Swimming pools more than 2 feet deep must have an obstacle at least 4 feet in height — fence or other approved obstacle (Section 93.096).

Fence setbacks in Unincorporated Madison County: No permanent fence, retaining wall, or obstruction within any public street or alley right-of-way unless authorized by the Land Use Committee. Fences on public easements or across ditches must not obstruct drainage.

Prohibited fence materials in Unincorporated Madison County: Barbed wire and sharp-pointed fences prohibited below 6 feet in height. Electrically charged fences prohibited. Exception: Agricultural Districts may have barbed wire and electric fences. Construction fencing only during construction (must be removed within 2 months of completion).

Fence Regulations

Unincorporated Madison County

Permit Requirements
Open-type fences must be approved by the Building Official prior to erection. Solid fences must have plans approved by the Building Department prior to erection.
Height - Front Yard
4 feet maximum, open type only (at least 50% open). Solid fences not permitted in front yard.
Height - Side/Rear
6 feet maximum for any fence or portion thereof
Height Notes
Section 93.080 Buffer Strips, Fences, Walls and Hedge of the Madison County Zoning Ordinance. Maximum 6 feet overall unless specifically exempted elsewhere.
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
No obstruction higher than 2 feet above curb/street elevation on corner lots within the triangular restricted area at intersections (Section 93.080(B)).
Materials Allowed
Residential and Agricultural zones: wood, vinyl, wrought iron, composite, chain link. Commercial/Manufacturing zones: also corrugated metal; other materials subject to Zoning Administrator approval.
Materials Prohibited
Barbed wire and sharp-pointed fences prohibited below 6 feet in height. Electrically charged fences prohibited. Exception: Agricultural Districts may have barbed wire and electric fences. Construction fencing only during construction (must be removed within 2 months of completion).
Setbacks
No permanent fence, retaining wall, or obstruction within any public street or alley right-of-way unless authorized by the Land Use Committee. Fences on public easements or across ditches must not obstruct drainage.
Design Requirements
Finish side of any fence must face outward toward adjacent properties. Double fencing is not permitted. When dismantling a fence, all components must be removed.
Gates
Not specified beyond general fence standards
Retaining Walls
Not specified beyond ROW restrictions
Source
https://cms4files.revize.com/madisoncountyilus/document_center/Madison_County_Zoning_Ordinance___PDF_.pdf
Notes
Section 93.080 covers fences comprehensively. No barbed wire below 6ft (except agricultural). No electrically charged fences (except agricultural). Front yard: open-type only, 4ft max.

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.

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