Fence Regulations in Dunwoody, GA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Dunwoody or are thinking about moving there, fence regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Dunwoody has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fence regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Height Limits

Dunwoody Zoning Ordinance §27-206(b)(5): fences in street yards are limited to 4 feet. Interior side and rear yard fences may be up to 8 feet. Fences adjacent to collector or arterial streets may be 8 feet in height in the street side yard. Permits required in front yards and corner lots.

Key details: Ordinance: Zoning Ord. §27-206(b)(5). Street Yard Limit: 4 feet maximum. Rear/Interior Side: 8 feet maximum. Arterial Street Side: 8 feet allowed. Sight Triangle: Must maintain at intersections.

Non-compliant fence: correction notice. Failure to comply: $100 to $500 per day. Forced removal possible.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Georgia common law applies in Dunwoody: fences must be installed on the owner's property. No city ordinance requires neighbor consent before fence installation. Boundary disputes are civil matters. Dunwoody does not require a survey for rear-yard fences (no permit needed) but accuracy is the owner's responsibility.

Key details: Neighbor Consent: Not required by ordinance. Property Line: Fence must be on your property. Boundary Disputes: Civil matter. Survey Recommendation: Strongly recommended before install.

Building on neighbor's property: civil liability. Encroachment: forced removal possible by court order.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Dunwoody gives residents more flexibility on neighbor fence rules.

Permit Requirements

A fence permit is NOT required in Dunwoody for fences completely to the rear of a residential home. A permit IS required for new fences, vehicular gates, and replacement fences in front yards, on corner lots, or within stream buffers. Contact Community Development: 678-382-6800.

Key details: Permit Required: Front yard, corner lots, stream buffers. No Permit Needed: Rear yard fences (not corner, not buffer). Stream Buffer: 75-foot buffer — permit always required. Community Development: 678-382-6800.

Building without permit: $200 to $500. May require removal and re-permitting. Stop-work orders possible.

The Bottom Line

Dunwoody's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Dunwoody is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Dunwoody can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.