Atlanta Fence Height Regulations: What You Can (and Can't) Build

Want to build a fence in Atlanta? Great! But before you do, you need to know the rules about how tall it can be.

Many homeowners have had to tear down brand new fences because they didn't check the height rules first. That's expensive and heartbreaking.

This guide helps you avoid that headache. It covers all the fence height rules for Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs. Ready to start your fence installation project? Let's make sure you do it right.

The Basic Rules

Here's the short version that applies to most of Metro Atlanta:

• Front yard: 4 feet maximum
• Side yard: 4-6 feet (depends on the city)
• Back yard: 6-8 feet maximum

But (and this is a big but) - different cities have different exact rules. And your HOA might have even stricter limits.

Let's break it all down.

Why Do Height Limits Exist?

You might be wondering: "It's my property. Why can't I build the fence as tall as I want?"

Fair question. Here's why cities have these rules:

• Safety: Really tall fences near streets can block drivers' views
• Neighborhood appearance: Cities want neighborhoods to look nice
• Property values: Consistent fence heights help maintain property values
• Neighbor relations: A 10-foot fence blocking your neighbor's sun would cause problems

These rules exist, and homeowners need to follow them to avoid violations and fines.

Front Yard Fence Rules

Front yards have the strictest rules.

Height Limit: Usually 4 Feet

In most of Metro Atlanta, front yard fences can't be taller than 4 feet.

This includes:

• City of Atlanta
• Marietta
• Roswell
• Sandy Springs
• Decatur
• Most other suburbs

The idea is that you can have a decorative fence, but it shouldn't block the view of your house or create safety issues for people driving.

What Counts as "Front Yard"?

This is important. Your front yard is the area between your house and the street.

On a corner lot, you've actually got TWO front yards - one facing each street. Both sides need to follow front yard rules.

That can be restrictive, but those are the rules that must be followed.

Exceptions and Variances

Sometimes you can get permission to go taller than 4 feet in the front.

You'd need to apply for a "variance" from your city. You'll need a good reason, like:

• Safety (maybe you live on a really busy street)
• Privacy (your front door faces the street)
• Special circumstances (maybe your lot is shaped weird)

Variances aren't automatic. You have to apply, pay a fee (usually $100-300), and the city decides.

Be prepared to wait 4-8 weeks for a decision.

Backyard Fence Rules

Backyards have more relaxed rules. This is where you're allowed to have privacy.

Height Limit: 6-8 Feet

Most cities allow 6 feet without any questions. Some allow up to 8 feet.

City of Atlanta: 8 feet maximum

Most suburbs (Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, etc.): 6 feet maximum without a variance

Six feet is the standard privacy fence height. It blocks the view of anyone standing in a normal yard.

Eight feet is better if your neighbors have a deck or second-story windows overlooking your yard.

Where Does Your Backyard Start?

Usually, your backyard is everything behind the back corners of your house.

But some cities define it differently. Check with your local building department if you're not sure.

Side Yard Fence Rules

Side yards are tricky. Different cities treat them differently.

The "Front Setback Line"

Most cities use something called a "front setback line" to decide side yard rules.

Imagine a line running across your property parallel to the street. Everything in front of that line follows front yard rules (4 feet max). Everything behind it follows backyard rules (6-8 feet).

The setback line is usually even with the front of your house, but not always.

You can find out where your setback line is by:

• Looking at your property survey
• Calling your city's zoning department
• Asking the fence company (we look this stuff up all the time)

City-by-City Guide

Here's a quick reference for major Metro Atlanta cities. But always double-check with your specific city before building.

City of Atlanta

• Front yard: 4 feet max
• Back yard: 8 feet max
• Permit required: Yes, for fences over 4 feet

Marietta

• Front yard: 4 feet max
• Back yard: 6 feet max (8 feet with variance)
• Permit required: Yes

Roswell

• Front yard: 4 feet max
• Back yard: 6 feet max
• Permit required: Yes

Sandy Springs

• Front yard: 4 feet max
• Back yard: 6 feet max (8 feet may be allowed)
• Permit required: Yes

Alpharetta

• Front yard: 4 feet max
• Back yard: 6 feet max
• Permit required: Yes

Decatur

• Front yard: 4 feet max
• Back yard: 6 feet max
• Permit required: Yes

These rules change sometimes, so verify with your city before you build.

HOA Rules Can Be Stricter

Here's something really important: your HOA can have stricter rules than the city.

For example:

• The city might allow 6 feet, but your HOA might only allow 5 feet
• The city might allow any color, but your HOA might require natural wood tones
• Your HOA might not allow front yard fences at all

You need to follow BOTH the city rules AND your HOA rules. Whichever is stricter is what you have to do.

How to Find Your HOA Rules

1. Check your HOA covenants (you got these when you bought your house)
2. Call or email your HOA management company
3. Check your HOA website if they have one
4. Ask your neighbors who have fences

What About Pool Fences?

Pool fences have their own special rules because they're about safety, not just privacy.

Georgia law requires pool fences to be at least 4 feet tall. Most people go with 4-5 feet.

Pool fences also need:

• Self-closing gates
• Self-latching locks that kids can't reach
• No gaps bigger than 4 inches (so kids can't squeeze through)

These are safety requirements, not just suggestions. Your permit won't be approved if you don't follow them.

Setback Requirements

It's not just about height. You also need to think about setbacks - how far from the property line you can build.

Property Line Fences

In most of Metro Atlanta, you CAN build right on your property line in the backyard.

But I usually recommend staying 6-12 inches inside your property line. Here's why:

• You avoid arguments with neighbors about the exact property line
• You have room to maintain both sides of your fence
• Property surveys aren't always 100% accurate

Front Yard Setbacks

In the front yard, you usually can't build right up to the property line.

Most cities require fences to be set back a certain distance from the road. This keeps them from blocking sight lines for drivers.

The setback is usually 5-15 feet, depending on your city and lot.

What Happens If You Build Too Tall?

Let's say you build an 8-foot fence and your city only allows 6 feet. What happens?

1. You get a violation notice: The city tells you your fence is illegal
2. You have a deadline to fix it: Usually 30-60 days
3. Your options:
   • Take the fence down to the legal height (expensive)
   • Remove the fence entirely (really expensive)
   • Apply for a variance (might work, might not)
4. If you ignore it: You can be fined. Daily fines can add up fast.

I've seen people have to cut 2 feet off the top of a brand new fence. It looks terrible and costs a fortune.

Just check the rules before you build. It's so much easier.

How to Make Sure You Follow the Rules

Here's my step-by-step process for making sure your fence is legal:

1. Find out which city you're in: Don't assume - some neighborhoods are in different cities than you think
2. Call your city's building or zoning department: Ask about fence height limits for your address
3. Check your HOA rules: Read your covenants or call your HOA
4. Get a survey: Know exactly where your property lines are
5. Draw a plan: Show where your fence will go and how tall it'll be
6. Submit for permit: Let the city review your plan before you build

Or hire a fence company that does this stuff every day. We know all the rules and handle the permits for you.

Special Situations

Corner Lots

If you're on a corner, you've got it tough. Both street-facing sides are considered "front yard."

That means you're limited to 4 feet on two sides of your property. You can only go taller in the back, away from both streets.

Through Lots

If your lot has streets on opposite sides (front and back), the same problem applies. Front yard rules apply to both street-facing sides.

Historic Districts

If you live in a historic district (parts of Atlanta, Decatur, and other cities have these), you've got extra rules.

You might need approval from a historic preservation committee. They care about style, materials, and height.

These reviews take extra time, so plan ahead.

Common Questions

"Can I measure from the ground on the tall side if my yard slopes?"

No. Height is measured from the higher side.

So if your yard slopes and one side is 2 feet higher than the other, you measure from the high side.

"Does the height include fence caps and decorative tops?"

Yes. Total height means the total height. If your fence is 6 feet and you add a 6-inch decorative cap, your fence is now 6.5 feet tall.

"What if my neighbor has a taller fence?"

Maybe their fence is grandfathered in from before the current rules. Maybe they got a variance. Maybe they built it illegally and haven't been caught.

Don't assume you can do what they did. Check the current rules for YOUR situation.

Final Thoughts

I know all these rules seem annoying. You just want a fence, not a law degree.

But spending an hour checking rules before you build can save you thousands of dollars and a huge headache.

When in doubt, call your city's building department. They'll tell you exactly what's allowed at your address.

Or hire a professional fence company. We deal with these rules every single day and we'll make sure everything's legal.