Brookhaven, GA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Sec. 27-954 of the Brookhaven Code sets the height caps for fences and masonry walls. In the front yard the cap is four feet. In any other (non-front) yard it is eight feet. Gates get their own allowance: up to six feet in height in front yards, above the fence line beside them.

The section then adds design and measurement rules. Fences and masonry walls over three feet in height must include a column or decorative element at least every eight linear feet, measured horizontally, to provide architectural variation and eliminate large expanses of blank area. Height is measured from finished grade at the base of the fence or masonry wall to the highest point of the fence or wall, so raising the grade at the base does not buy extra height. Columns, posts and ornaments are allowed to exceed the maximum fence and wall heights by up to two feet, which is why a front-yard brick pier can stand taller than the panels between the piers.

Gates that carry vehicles have a setback rule. They must be set back at least ten feet from the right-of-way or 20 feet from the back of curb, whichever results in a greater setback. That keeps a car waiting for the gate to open from blocking the street or sidewalk.

Sec. 27-959 handles sight lines. Fences, masonry walls and other visual obstructions over three feet in height cannot be placed or maintained on corner lots within a triangle formed by two lines that start at the point where the street right-of-way lines intersect and run 20 feet along each street right-of-way line, plus a third line connecting them. The rule covers other visual obstructions too, so a hedge wall or a stack of material inside the triangle raises the same issue as a fence.

A fence permit is required before any of this is built under Sec. 27-953, and the permit is issued only for structures that conform to these limits.