GeorgiaFence Rules

Wilkes County

Fence Rules in Unincorporated Wilkes 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 Wilkes County, fence height limits are: front yards — Not explicitly addressed in Section 94 — fences likely not permitted in required front setback; side and rear yards — Side yard: 5 feet maximum. Rear yard: 8 feet maximum (Section 94).

Contact Zoning Enforcement Officer for building/zoning permit. No fence-specific permit mentioned.

On corner lots in Unincorporated Wilkes County: No fence, wall, or obstruction more than 3 feet in height within triangular area formed by ROW lines at 35 feet from intersection (Section 93).

Pool fences in Unincorporated Wilkes County: Must comply with state pool barrier codes.

Fence setbacks in Unincorporated Wilkes County: Not specified beyond front yard restriction.

Prohibited fence materials in Unincorporated Wilkes County: Not specified for residential.

Fence Regulations

Unincorporated Wilkes County

Permit Requirements
Contact Zoning Enforcement Officer for building/zoning permit. No fence-specific permit mentioned.
Height - Front Yard
Not explicitly addressed in Section 94 — fences likely not permitted in required front setback
Height - Side/Rear
Side yard: 5 feet maximum. Rear yard: 8 feet maximum (Section 94).
Height Notes
Section 94 — Fences in Residential Zones; Retaining Walls. Section 93 — Visibility at Intersections (3 feet max within 35-foot triangle).
Pool Fences
View Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Corner Lots
No fence, wall, or obstruction more than 3 feet in height within triangular area formed by ROW lines at 35 feet from intersection (Section 93).
Materials Allowed
Not restricted for residential use. Commercial/industrial: solid fence, woven wire fence, cyclone-type fence as specified per use.
Materials Prohibited
Not specified for residential
Setbacks
Not specified beyond front yard restriction
Design Requirements
Not specified for residential
Retaining Walls
Height limitations apply only to height above the top of soil retained by the wall (Section 94).
Source
https://wilkescounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/129/Zoning-Ordinance-PDF
Notes
Section 94 provides clear residential fence heights: 5ft side, 8ft rear. Front yard fences not addressed (likely prohibited in required setback). First county in Georgia (1777).

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 Wilkes County

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

All Wilkes County fence rules →

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