Smyrna, GA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

The Smyrna Zoning Ordinance defines Structure as anything constructed or erected that needs a location on the ground, and the definition names fences alongside tennis courts, swimming pools and buildings. That definition drives the permit rule. Sec. 1302 says no building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a building permit issued by the building inspector, and a permit is issued only if the proposed development conforms to the zoning ordinance. A new fence, or work that moves or adds to an existing one, therefore starts at the building inspector's office.

Sec. 503-A then sets the standards the fence must meet. Under 503-A.1, no fence can be more than eight feet high or be built in a public right-of-way. Under 503-A.2, the finished side must face adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, and the finished side is the one with no visible support structures unless the community development director approves otherwise. Under 503-A.3, a front yard, which includes both street-facing yards on a corner lot, cannot hold a chain link or similar woven wire fence in any zoning district. Decorative or ornamental rail, split rail, picket, opaque or basket weave fences of wooden materials are allowed in the front yard up to four feet, and decorative wrought iron or black aluminum is also capped at four feet. Wire backing on a split rail fence in the front yard must have a black vinyl coating.

Sec. 513 adds a sight-line rule for every zoning district: no fence, wall, structure, shrubbery or other obstruction to vision between three feet and 15 feet in height is permitted within 20 feet of the intersection of right-of-way lines of streets, highways and railroads.

On paperwork, Sec. 1304 requires building permit applications to go to the building inspector with complete plans in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the shape and dimensions of the lot and the size, height, use and location of the structure. The chief building official is authorized to waive plans when the work does not need them to show compliance with the current building code. Under Sec. 1305, a non-residential permit is valid for two years and expires if work has not begun within six months. The zoning ordinance in the staged file prints no fence permit fee.