How Savannah Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide
Savannah maintains 102 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Savannah falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Permit Requirements
Savannah may require permits for fence construction. Georgia has no statewide fence permit law. Requirements set by local building and zoning codes.
Key details: Permit: Check Savannah requirements. Site Plan: Usually required. Survey: May be needed. HOA: Separate approval often needed.
Building without permit: $200 to $500. May require removal and re-permitting. Stop-work orders possible.
Neighbor Fence Rules
Savannah follows Georgia property law for fence disputes. Georgia has no shared fence cost statute. Each owner maintains their own fence.
Key details: Shared Cost: Not required by GA law. Property Line: Build on your side. Survey: Recommended before building. Disputes: Civil court or mediation.
Building on neighbor's property: civil liability. Encroachment: forced removal possible by court order.
Height Limits
Savannah sets fence height limits through zoning ordinance. Georgia has no statewide fence height law. Typical: 6 ft backyard, 4 ft front.
Key details: Backyard: 6 ft typical max. Front Yard: 3.5 to 4 ft typical max. Corner Lots: Sight-triangle rules. Variance: Board of Zoning Appeals.
Non-compliant fence: correction notice. Failure to comply: $100 to $500 per day. Forced removal possible.
Retaining Walls
Savannah requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Key details: Permit Free: Up to 4 feet typically. Engineering: Required over 4 feet. Setbacks: Apply near property lines. Drainage: Must be addressed.
Unpermitted walls: stop-work order, required engineering review, potential demolition. Fines $200 to $1,000.
Pool Barriers
Savannah requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Key details: Min Height: 48 to 60 inches. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching. Openings: Less than 4 inches. Enforcement: Inspection at permit.
Non-compliant barriers: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500. Pool use prohibited until barriers meet code. Liability exposure for accidents.
This is one of the stricter rules in Savannah's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Material Restrictions
Savannah may restrict fence materials through zoning ordinance. Georgia has no statewide fence material requirements. HOAs often dictate materials.
Key details: Common: Wood, vinyl, aluminum. Prohibited: Barbed wire in residential. HOA: Often dictates materials. Historic: Design review may apply.
Non-compliant materials: correction notice. Failure to comply: $100 to $500. Forced removal possible.
The Bottom Line
Savannah'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 Savannah is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Savannah's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.