Georgia follows the 'good neighbor' fence doctrine. No specific Decatur ordinance requires neighbor consent before installing a fence, but the fence must be placed on the installer's property. Boundary disputes are civil matters. Cost sharing for party fences is subject to mutual agreement.
Under Georgia common law and practice, a fence must be entirely on the owner's property. There is no requirement to obtain neighbor approval, but it is recommended as a courtesy. If a fence straddles a property line (party fence), costs and maintenance are typically shared under mutual agreement. Fence permit applications require a site plan confirming the fence is within the applicant's property lines.
Building on neighbor's property: civil liability. Encroachment: forced removal possible by court order.
Decatur, GA
Barking dogs are covered under Decatur's general noise ordinance (Ch. 42), which lists animal noises among prohibited disturbing sounds. Animal control compl...
Decatur, GA
Construction noise in Decatur is regulated by the general noise ordinance (Ch. 42). Construction equipment is listed among covered noise sources; work should...
Decatur, GA
Decatur updated its noise ordinance effective July 1, 2025 (adopted March 3, 2025). Decibel limits: 65 dB(A) from 7:00 AM to 9:59 PM, and 60 dB(A) from 10:00...
Decatur, GA
Commercial vehicles (including large trucks and vans with commercial markings) parked in residential areas of Decatur are subject to zoning and parking regul...
Decatur, GA
Parking of recreational vehicles (RVs, boats, trailers) on residential streets or in front yards in Decatur is subject to regulations under the UDO (Article ...
Decatur, GA
Driveways in Decatur must comply with UDO site development standards (Article 7). Curb cuts require permits. Vehicles parked in driveways must not block the ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in DeKalb County.
See how other cities in DeKalb County handle neighbor fence rules.
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