Before You Build in Duluth, GA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Georgia adopts IRC Appendix G for residential pool barriers: minimum 48-inch fence, self-closing and self-latching gates opening outward, latch 54 inches from ground, no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere. Applies to pools deeper than 24 inches.

Fences must be built entirely on the owner's property; encroachment over the property line is a civil matter. Georgia has no statewide shared-fence cost-sharing law — agreements between neighbors are voluntary. Spite fences may be addressed as common-law nuisance.

Retaining walls over 4 feet high (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a building permit and engineered drawings in Duluth. Walls with surcharge (driveway, pool, structure above) require engineering at any height.

Duluth requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet tall or for pool barriers. Standard residential fences up to 6 feet do not require a permit but must comply with setback, height, and material rules. Historic district properties require additional review.

Duluth residential fence height: 4 ft in front yard, 6 ft in rear/side yards. Corner lots have visibility triangle restrictions (typically 3 ft max within 25 ft of intersection). Fences over 6 ft require a building permit and possible variance.

Residential pools in Duluth must meet Georgia Residential Code safety requirements including barriers, alarms on dwelling doors, and anti-entrapment drain covers. Public pools follow GA DPH Rules 511-3-5.

Above-ground pools in Duluth require a building permit and must meet the same 48-inch barrier standard. Pool walls 48 inches or taller may count as the barrier if ladders are secured/removable.

All residential pools in Duluth require a building permit plus electrical and plumbing permits. Inspections required at multiple stages including pre-pour, rough electrical, and final barrier inspection.

Hot tubs and spas in Duluth must either meet the 48-inch barrier requirement or be equipped with a lockable, ASTM-compliant safety cover. Electrical permits are required for installation.

Residential pools in Duluth must be enclosed by a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per Georgia Residential Code Appendix G (based on IRC). Applies to pools over 24 inches deep.

Accessory dwelling units in Duluth are regulated through the Unified Development Code. Accessory apartments may be permitted in certain residential zones with zoning approval; detached ADUs face stricter review.

Converting a garage to living space in Duluth requires a building permit and may require rezoning or variance if it creates a second dwelling unit. Replacement off-street parking may be required.

Tiny homes in Duluth must meet the Georgia Residential Code including minimum room sizes. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones.

Sheds in Duluth 200 square feet or smaller typically don't require a building permit but must meet zoning setbacks. Larger sheds require a permit. Must be located in side or rear yard only.

Carports in Duluth require a building permit and must meet setback requirements. Front-yard carports may be prohibited or require architectural review depending on zoning district.

Duluth is under Georgia EPD's metro Atlanta summer burn ban May 1 to September 30 each year. Outside that window, burning requires a free Georgia Forestry Commission permit. Yard debris burning prohibited in Gwinnett County year-round.

Recreational fire pits allowed under International Fire Code §307.4.2 (adopted by Georgia): max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall flames, 15 ft from structures. Only seasoned wood or charcoal. Summer burn ban does not apply to recreational fires in approved appliances.

Georgia's permanent Outdoor Water Use Rule allows residential landscape watering any day between 4 PM-10 AM. Additional EPD drought-level restrictions apply when declared.

Trimming a neighbor's tree overhanging your property is allowed up to the property line under Georgia common law. Public trees in right-of-way require city permission.

Duluth's Tree Preservation Ordinance requires permits to remove healthy trees above DBH thresholds on private property. Replacement planting mandated.