Chatham County, GA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- County permit required
- Yes, all walls and fences
- Code section
- Sec. 5-1.1
- Temporary fences
- Under 18 months, admin approval
- Savannah exemption
- Wood/chain link 7 ft or under
- Reviewing body
- MPC / Zoning Administrator
Summary
Yes. In unincorporated Chatham County, Sec. 5-1.1 of the zoning ordinance flatly requires a building permit for any wall or fence: 'No wall or fence shall be erected or constructed without a building permit.' Temporary construction-site fences may be approved separately for under 18 months.
Required Permits. No wall or fence shall be erected or constructed without a building permit.
Full Breakdown
The county zoning ordinance leaves no exemption for residential fences: Sec. 5-1.1 states that no wall or fence may be erected or constructed without a building permit. Applicants confirm height, location, materials and vision-clearance compliance with the county before building. Sec. 5-1.6 lets the Zoning Administrator approve temporary fences for construction sites or similar activities for a specified period of less than 18 months. Inside the City of Savannah, the NewZO takes a different approach, waiving a permit for wood or chain-link fences 7 feet or under while requiring a fence permit for taller fences, masonry, or any fence with a footing.
Violations & Fines
Building a fence without the required permit is a zoning violation. The county may issue a stop-work order, require an after-the-fact permit or removal, and pursue citations and fines through code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a small residential fence exempt from a permit in the county?
What about a temporary fence during construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
Compare Chatham County to another location·View the Georgia fence regulations overview
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