Stonecrest, GA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit-free fence height
- 8 ft or less
- Retaining wall exempt height
- 4 ft or less
- Electric fences
- farm-animal confinement only
- Unpermitted penalty
- 100% of permit fee
- Permit lapses
- 180 days unstarted
Summary
A fence built in the City of Stonecrest needs a construction permit under Sec. 7-118(a) unless it stands eight feet or less, the exemption set out in Sec. 7-118(d)(1)a. Taller fences, and any fence tied to a retaining wall over four feet, must go through the Community Development Department's standard permit review before installation begins.
(a)Permit required. A permit shall be obtained before beginning construction, erection, alteration or repair to a building or structure, mechanical system, gas system, plumbing system, electrical system, and energy conservation system, other than ordinary repairs. ... (d)Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from the permit requirements of this section shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this chapter or any other laws or ordinances of the city. Permits shall not be required for the following:(1)Building.a.Fences not over eight feet (2440 mm) high.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 7-118(a) requires a permit before beginning construction, erection, alteration or repair to a building or structure, other than ordinary repairs, and Sec. 7-118(d)(1)a exempts only fences not over eight feet high. Any fence over that height needs the full application described in Sec. 7-118(e): a written form identifying the work, the property by address or legal description, construction plans, the proposed valuation, and signatures of the applicant/contractor and owner. The Building Official has up to 60 calendar days to act on the application under Sec.
7-118(f), and the permit lapses if work is not started within 180 days of filing or issuance, per Secs. 7-118(g) and (i). Sec. 7-26(b)(1)a separately restricts electrified fencing: electric fences may be used only to confine farm animals, must use an intermittent-current charger listed by a nationally recognized testing lab, and require written permission from the director before installation. Retaining walls are treated separately from fences: Sec. 7-118(d)(1)b exempts retaining walls up to four feet high, but Sec. 7-196(g) caps new residential retaining walls at four feet unless a zoning variance is obtained, and requires the wall to sit back from the side property line at least half the distance between that line and the required building setback.
Fence and retaining wall work started without the required permit draws the same Sec. 7-118(c) penalty as any other unpermitted construction: 100 percent of the usual permit fee in addition to the fee itself, plus a Stop Work Order.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a fence over eight feet, or a retaining wall over four feet, without first securing a Sec. 7-118 permit triggers a penalty equal to 100 percent of the standard permit fee, charged on top of the fee owed, and the Building Official can issue an immediate Stop Work Order under Sec. 7-118(c) until the work is permitted and corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Stonecrest?
Can I put up an electric fence around my Stonecrest property?
How tall can a retaining wall be without a permit or variance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stonecrest
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