Columbus, GA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height, any yard
- 8 feet
- Corner right-of-way setback
- 20 feet
- Height variance authority
- Board of Zoning Appeals
- Opaque fence with chain link
- Not allowed
Summary
Columbus, Georgia allows fences, walls, and hedges up to eight feet tall in any required yard citywide, but keeps them at least 20 feet back from a corner right-of-way for driver sightlines.
A.Fencing Permitted. Fences, walls and hedges are permitted subject to the standards listed below.1.Maximum Height. Fences, walls and hedges not exceeding eight feet in height may be permitted in any required yard along the edge of a yard, or within a yard in any zoning district.2.Exceptions. Fences, walls and hedges shall not impair or block the vision of vehicle drivers so as to constitute a safety hazard.3.Reserved.4.Easements and Encroachments. Fences, walls and hedges shall not obstruct public easements nor encroach or overhang dedicated rights-of-way.5.Corner Rights-of-way. Fences, walls and hedges shall be at least 20 feet from any corner right-of-way line. As indicated in Figure 4.2.3, exceptions to this requirement may be granted for hedges or ground cover with a height of 30 inches or less and trees with a clear trunk of not less than eight feet. The clear trunk shall be measured from grade to the bottom of the lowest portion of the lowest branch.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 75).
Full Breakdown
UDO § 4.2.14.A sets the citywide fence standard for Columbus (Muscogee County): fences, walls, and hedges not exceeding eight feet in height may be permitted in any required yard, along the edge of a yard, or within a yard, in any zoning district, a height above which a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals is required under § 4.5.4.G. Fences may not block a driver's line of sight, may not encroach on public easements or overhang rights-of-way, and must stand at least 20 feet from any corner right-of-way line, with a narrow exception for low hedges or high-trunk trees. Where an opaque fence is required elsewhere in the UDO, it cannot be built from chain link plus inserted screening, plastic, or wooden slats.
Violations & Fines
A fence over eight feet without a variance, one that blocks driver sightlines, or one built within the 20-foot corner clearance violates § 4.2.14 and is enforceable under UDO Chapter 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a privacy fence be in Columbus, GA?
Can I build a fence right up to a corner lot line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
How Columbus compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Columbus to another location·View the Georgia fence regulations overview
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