Fulton County, GA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Fulton County only
- Allowed encroachments
- Driveways, walkways, mailboxes
- Mailbox post embed depth
- Max 24 inches
- Speed exemption
- Roads posted 35 mph or less
Summary
In unincorporated Fulton County, no privately owned structure may sit within a public right-of-way except a driveway, access walkway, or a code-compliant mailbox support post.
No privately owned structures other than driveways, access walkways, and mailboxes shall be permitted within a publicly owned right-of-way. Mailbox support structures shall also be permitted within the county owned right-of-way provided that the mailbox support structure or appurtenance conforms to the following conditions.
1.Mailbox support structures or appurtenances shall not be constructed of masonry, concrete or stone unless the support design has been shown to be safe by crash tests and is approved by the director of the department of environment and community development.2.With the exceptions noted in subsection 1. above, the mailbox support structure shall be a single four-inch × four-inch or four-inch circumference wooden or metal post with strength no greater than a two-inch diameter standard steel hollow pipe and embedded not more than 24 inches in to the ground.3.A mailbox support structure containing a metal post shall not be fitted with an anchor plate, but it may have an anti-twist device that extends no more than ten inches below the ground surface.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 57).
Full Breakdown
Fulton County's zoning resolution bars private structures from public rights-of-way in the unincorporated county. Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton and the county's other cities enforce their own codes. Only driveways, access walkways and mailboxes are allowed. A mailbox post must be masonry-free unless crash-tested, limited to a single 4-inch wood or metal post no stronger than 2-inch steel pipe, embedded no more than 24 inches, and may carry only a 10-inch anti-twist device rather than an anchor plate. Roadways posted 35 mph or under in platted subdivisions are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Removal of the noncompliant structure at the owner's expense; unauthorized mailbox supports or other encroachments are subject to enforcement by the Department of Environment and Community Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Atlanta or Sandy Springs?
Can I put a mailbox post in the county right-of-way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
Compare Fulton County to another location·View the Georgia sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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