Fence Regulations in DeKalb County, GA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Unincorporated DeKalb County caps side and rear yard fences at eight feet and front-yard fences at four feet, with a possible administrative or zoning board variance to go higher.
DeKalb County Privacy Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsDeKalb County Code § 27-5.4.7, Table 5.3
Fences and walls in interior side or rear yards of single-family detached residential on individual lots and perimeter of subdivision. Up to eight (8) feet. Fences may be up to property line; walls, including footings, must not encroach over property line. May apply for a variance from zoning board of appeals to increase height up to ten (10) feet max. Fences and walls on land that is adjacent...
Fence Permit Requirements
In unincorporated DeKalb County, fences up to eight feet high need no building permit under § 7-30(d)(1)(A); taller fences and retaining walls over four feet still require one.
DeKalb County Fence Permit Exemption Rule
Some RestrictionsDeKalb County Code of Ordinances § 7-30(d)(1)(A)
(d)Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from the permit requirements of this section shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this chapter or any other laws or ordinances of the county. Permits shall not be required for the following:(1)Building:(A)Fences not over eight (8) feet (2440 mm) high.
Retaining Walls
DeKalb County's zoning ordinance caps newly built retaining walls at 4 feet measured from finished grade, and any wall reaching 4 feet must be certified by a licensed engineer and carry a building permit and inspection under Sections 5.4.7.D.1 and 5.4.7.G.1.
DeKalb County Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsDeKalb County Code § 27-5.4.7.D.1, G.1
Newly constructed retaining walls shall not be higher than four (4) feet measured from finished grade; however, existing retaining walls may be repaired and replaced so long as the height of the repaired or replaced wall is no greater than the original height of the wall. ... Retaining walls that are four (4) feet or more in height measured from the finished grade to the top of wall shall be ce...
Material Restrictions
DeKalb County bans fences and freestanding walls made of exposed common concrete block, tires, junk, pallets, railroad ties, loose stone or vinyl anywhere in the county, and front yards face a stricter list: only brick, stone, wood, wrought iron or a material simulating wrought iron is allowed, with chain link shut out of front yards in every district except M and M-2.
DeKalb County Fence Material Rules
Some RestrictionsDeKalb County Code § 27-5.4.7.A.5-A.6
No freestanding walls or fences may be composed of exposed common concrete block, tires, junk, pallets, railroad ties, loose stone, vinyl and other discarded materials. ... freestanding walls or fences erected within the front yard shall be constructed of brick, stone, wood, wrought iron, or material simulating wrought iron. Any other material, including but not limited to, chain link and other...
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