Fences over 6 ft tall or any retaining wall over 4 ft require a building permit from Gwinnett Planning & Development. Fences under 6 ft exempt but must still meet UDO height/location rules.
Gwinnett Development Regulations follow the GA State Minimum Standard Building Code: fences up to 6 ft in height are exempt from building permits (but must still comply with UDO §230-20.1 location and height rules). Any fence >6 ft in height or any masonry/retaining wall over 4 ft (measured from bottom of footing) requires a building permit and engineered drawings. Permit application fees are typically $50-$150 depending on project value. Electrical permits required if the fence has lighting or a powered gate opener. Properties in floodplain or stream-buffer zones need additional review.
See how Gwinnett County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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