Fulton County, GA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max fence height
- 8 ft from grade
- Column/ornament allowance
- Up to 3 ft above the cap
- Right-of-way setback
- 3 ft minimum
- Gate placement
- No part within 20 ft of right-of-way
- Atlanta front yard
- 4 ft (6 ft if 50% open)
Summary
Fences and walls in unincorporated Fulton County top out at 8 feet from grade under Zoning Resolution § 4.11. Columns and ornaments may rise up to 3 feet above that cap, every fence must stand at least 3 feet off any public right-of-way, and no part of a gate may be placed within 20 feet of a public right-of-way.
Fences and walls shall not exceed a height of eight feet from grade. Column and ornament heights are permitted to exceed the maximum fence/wall height up to three feet. Fences and walls shall be set back a minimum of three feet from a public right-of-way. No part of a gate shall be located within 20 feet of a public right-of-way.
Full Breakdown
11 of the Fulton County Zoning Resolution caps every fence and wall in unincorporated Fulton County at 8 feet, measured from grade. The resolution carves out one decorative allowance: columns and ornaments may exceed the fence or wall maximum by up to 3 feet, so masonry columns with caps or finials can rise above the fence panels between them while the panels themselves stay at or below 8 feet. Placement is regulated alongside height. Every fence and wall must be set back a minimum of 3 feet from a public right-of-way, and gates are held even further off the street: no part of a gate may be located within 20 feet of a public right-of-way, which pushes driveway and entry gates well back onto the property.
Front yards can be tighter than the countywide figure, since overlay districts in parts of the county often limit front-yard fences to 4 to 6 feet. The county standard also stops at city limits. Inside Atlanta, City Code § 158-21 governs instead, holding front-yard fences to 4 feet, or 6 feet when the fence is at least 50 percent open.
Violations & Fines
Notice of Violation with 30-day cure; civil fines $150-$500 for non-compliance. Fences may be ordered removed at owner expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a 10-foot privacy fence?
How close to the street can a fence or gate go?
Do the county limits apply inside Atlanta?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
How Fulton County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Fulton County to another location·View the Georgia fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.