Chatham County, GA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Fence regulations for unincorporated Chatham County are in Section 5 (Exceptions and Modifications) of the Chatham County Zoning Ordinance, administered by the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC). Sec. 5-1.1 requires a building permit for any wall or fence. Sec. 5-1.3 governs residential districts (any district with an 'R' in the nomenclature, plus C and R Use Schedule districts): walls and fences may not exceed 6 feet in height in front and side yards, nor 8 feet in rear yards. Pool enclosures must be at least 4 feet, with self-closing and self-latching gates and openings that will not pass a 6-inch sphere. Security fences for accessory recreational uses (pools, tennis courts) may reach 10 feet if set back at least 1 foot from the property line for each foot exceeding 6 feet, and only in rear yards. Sec. 5-1.4 sets nonresidential limits: business districts 8 feet, industrial districts 10 feet, with reductions to 8 feet (rear/side) or 6 feet (front) when adjacent to a residential district or use, and a 5-foot landscaped setback from the property line. Sec. 5-1.2 requires fences to be at least 5 feet from existing parallel structures and not block emergency access, light, or air. Sec. 5-1.5 incorporates vision-clearance requirements at intersections.