Johns Creek, GA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

The city's direct neighbor-facing rule appears in Zoning Ordinance Section 4.11.D.2: 'Walls and fences constructed along all property lines shall be constructed with a finished side toward the neighboring property.' The pool-fencing standards in the Fence Permit Requirements repeat this: 'If only one side of the fence is to be finished, the fence shall be constructed with the finished side toward the neighboring property.' Beyond the finished-side rule, Johns Creek's code does not address who pays for a shared boundary fence, how to resolve disagreements between adjoining owners, or 'spite fence' claims; those are matters of Georgia common law and private agreement, not municipal ordinance. Because a fence must be placed on the owner's own property and not encroach over the line, the city requires a survey showing property boundaries on all sides as part of any fence permit application, which helps prevent boundary disputes. Owners are responsible for locating the true property line before building. In many Johns Creek subdivisions, recorded HOA covenants add private requirements (color, style, approval committees) that bind neighbors contractually and can be enforced independently of the city. When city rules and HOA rules differ, both apply and the stricter typically controls in practice.