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

GA has no statewide shared fence law. Suwanee does not require neighbor approval for fence construction on your property. GA §44-9-1 addresses partition fences for agricultural boundaries only.

Suwanee adopts GA Residential Code (IRC) Appendix G: 48-inch minimum barrier around all residential pools and spas with water depth >24 inches. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latch 54 inches above ground required.

Retaining walls over 4 ft in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require a building permit and engineered design in Suwanee. Walls in GA Erosion Control buffer require additional approval.

Suwanee UDC limits fences to 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side and rear yards for residential zones. Corner lots have sight triangle restrictions. Taller fences (up to 8 ft) require variance or administrative approval.

Suwanee requires a fence permit for all new fence installations. Application through Planning Services, typical fee $50–$100. Site plan showing property lines, fence location, height, and materials required.

Residential pool safety governed by GA IRC Appendix G: barriers, gates, door alarms, power safety covers. Anti-entrapment drain covers required (VGB Act compliance). Public pools regulated by GA DPH.

Hot tubs and spas with lockable safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from the 48-inch barrier requirement under GA IRC Appendix G. Electrical permit required.

Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require permit and barrier compliance. Pool walls 48+ inches may serve as barrier if ladder is removable/lockable. Must meet setback requirements.

Pools deeper than 24 inches require 48-inch minimum barrier per GA-adopted IRC Appendix G. Self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward from pool, latch 54 inches above ground.

Suwanee building department requires permits for all in-ground pools and above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches. Plans review, electrical, plumbing, and final barrier inspection required.

Georgia has no statewide ADU mandate. Suwanee UDC regulates accessory dwelling units via zoning; typically allowed only as attached family-care suites or with special use permit. MXD zones may allow more flexibility.

Garage conversions to living space require Suwanee building permit. Must meet residential code for ceiling height, egress, insulation, and electrical. Parking replacement required to maintain off-street parking minimums.

Sheds over 120 sq ft require a Suwanee building permit. All sheds must meet accessory structure setbacks (typically 5-10 ft from rear/side lines) and may not exceed height limits in the UDC.

Carports are permitted accessory structures in Suwanee but must meet setbacks and building permit requirements. Typically must be architecturally compatible with primary dwelling.

Tiny homes on foundations must meet full GA IRC requirements (including Appendix Q for homes under 400 sq ft). Tiny homes on wheels classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in Suwanee residential zones.

Suwanee is within GA EPD's 54-county metro Atlanta summer burn ban area. Open burning of yard debris banned May 1–Sept 30 annually under GAEPD Rule 391-3-1-.02(5). Year-round permit required from Gwinnett Fire Marshal for allowed burns.

Recreational fires allowed in Suwanee per GA Fire Code (IFC 307) adopted by Gwinnett Fire. Max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height, 25 ft from structures. Seasoned wood only — no yard debris, trash, or treated lumber.

Property owners responsible for trimming trees overhanging streets and sidewalks. Suwanee requires clearance heights for ROW. Powerline trimming handled by Georgia Power/Jackson EMC.

Gwinnett County DWR customers follow GA's year-round 4pm-10am outdoor watering rule. Drought-level restrictions imposed by GA EPD when triggered.

Suwanee has a strong tree preservation ordinance. Removal of specimen/protected trees requires permit from Planning & Development, with replacement/fee-in-lieu requirements.