FENCE RULES – BROOKHAVEN (CITY), GEORGIA
OVERVIEW
Residential fences are permitted on private property within City of Brookhaven, subject to local regulations.
The principal residential fence rules for the City of Brookhaven appear in Chapter 27 of the zoning ordinance, Article IX, Division 3, titled Fences and Walls. The city also publishes a Fence Permits page and a Fence Requirements on Private Property guide that restate the key standards for permit filing, height, placement, and design.
This page focuses on typical single-family residential fencing. If the jurisdiction’s adopted materials do not state a specific limit or requirement, this page notes that the code does not specify one.
Compiled From Chapter 27 Zoning of the Code of the City of Brookhaven, the Community Development pages for Planning & Zoning, Code Enforcement, the Planning & Zoning FAQ, the Fence Permits page, and the Brookhaven fence requirements guide, as of April 2026.
GOVERNANCE
The governing authority is the City of Brookhaven. For standard residential fences, the controlling ordinance language appears in Chapter 27, Article IX, Division 3, Fences and Walls, especially Secs. 27-953 through 27-959.
Fence permit administration is handled through the Community Development Department. The Planning & Zoning function reviews site plan submissions for compliance with Brookhaven zoning and development requirements, and the Building Permits workflow includes the city’s published Fence Permits application path.
Complaint-based compliance issues are handled by Code Enforcement, which operates within the Community Development Department.
PERMIT AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
• Fence Permit Required: A permit is required to construct a standard residential fence in the City of Brookhaven. The zoning ordinance states that walls and fences must be permitted by the Community Development Department before installation.
• Application Standard: Fence permits are issued only for fences that conform to the ordinance. The city’s published permit page directs applications through the Project Portal.
• Residential Fee: The city’s FAQ states that there is no fee for residential fences.
• Submittal Items: The published fence permit materials require a site plan showing property lines, existing structures, fence location, and fence height; an elevation view or image showing a decorative element every 8 feet; an authorized agent form; and contractor registration if applicable.
• Additional Review: Fences enclosing pools and detention areas may require additional reviews.
• Zoning Compliance: Building permit requirements are separate from zoning, setback, or plat requirements. Confirm any applicable zoning conditions, setbacks, and plat requirements with Planning & Zoning before construction.
FENCE PLACEMENT RULES
• Property Line Setbacks: The code does not specify a standard residential fence setback from interior property lines.
• Street Right-of-Way: Gates providing vehicle access must be set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way or 20 feet from back of curb, whichever results in the greater setback.
• Corner Lot Visibility: On corner lots, fences, masonry walls, and other visual obstructions over 3 feet in height may not be placed within the triangular visibility area formed by measuring 20 feet along each intersecting street right-of-way line.
• Utility Safety: Georgia law requires notice to the Utilities Protection Center (Georgia 811) before excavation with mechanized equipment. The locate request effective date must be not less than two (2) business days and not more than eight (8) business days after the request is received, and work under that locate request may not begin more than 30 calendar days after the effective date.
FENCE HEIGHT AND VISIBILITY RULES
• Front Yard Height: Fences and masonry walls may not exceed 4 feet in height when located in the front yard.
• Other Yard Height: Fences and masonry walls may not exceed 8 feet in height when located in any non-front yard.
• Front Yard Gates: Gates may be up to 6 feet in height in front yards.
• Height Measurement: Fence and masonry wall height is measured from finished grade at the base of the fence or wall to its highest point.
• Posts, Columns, and Ornaments: Fence and masonry wall columns, posts, and ornaments may extend up to 2 feet above the maximum allowed fence or wall height.
• Corner Visibility: Fences, masonry walls, and other visual obstructions over 3 feet in height are prohibited within the required 20-foot by 20-foot corner visibility triangle.
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LIMITS
• Decorative Variation: Fences and masonry walls over 3 feet in height must include a column or decorative element at least every 8 linear feet.
• Chain Link: Chain link fences are prohibited in street yard areas.
• Finished Side Orientation: The finished side of the fence must face the abutting property and the public right-of-way.
• Prohibited Features on R-Zoned Lots: Fences on R-zoned lots may not include barbed wire, spikes, similar devices, or an electric charge.
• Solid Fence Design: The city’s published fence guide illustrates that a solid fence without the required columns or decorative variations is not permitted.
PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS
Private covenants, HOA rules, and similar recorded restrictions operate independently of city regulations and may be more restrictive than the City of Brookhaven’s fence rules.
REVIEW AND ENFORCEMENT CONTEXT
Fence issues are typically reviewed during permit or approval review when required, and through complaint-based code enforcement. Examples include:
• Permit Review: The city reviews fence permit applications for ordinance compliance before issuing the permit.
• Site Plan Review: Planning & Zoning reviews site plan submissions for compliance with Brookhaven zoning and development requirements.
• Visibility Hazards: Corner lot fences over 3 feet in the required visibility triangle are prohibited.
• Right-of-Way Related Placement: Vehicle-access gates must meet the published setback from the right-of-way or back of curb.
• Height and Design Compliance: Fence height, decorative element spacing, chain link restrictions in street yard areas, and finished-side orientation are all ordinance-based review points.
• Complaint-Based Enforcement: The Code Enforcement function identifies and addresses violations of city codes and ordinances, including zoning violations.
USING THIS INFORMATION
This page provides general orientation on how residential fence rules are structured and applied within City of Brookhaven, based on publicly available materials reviewed as of April 2026.
In addition to local fence rules, certain Georgia laws apply statewide. See Statewide Fence Laws in Georgia.
It is not legal advice and does not replace official ordinances, permits, surveys, or professional guidance. Rules and interpretations may change, and application may vary based on zoning district, site conditions, easements, rights-of-way, and private restrictions such as HOA covenants. Before purchasing materials or beginning construction, confirm current requirements and any site-specific limitations with Community Development Department and any applicable private agreements. If this page conflicts with official ordinances, published guidance, or direction from City of Brookhaven staff, the official sources control. For legal advice or legal interpretation, consult a licensed attorney.