📋 Key Rules
DeKalb County covers the eastern side of the Atlanta metro including Decatur, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Tucker, Stone Mountain, and Lithonia. Unincorporated DeKalb County requires permits for fences over 6 feet. The incorporated cities within DeKalb (Decatur, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Tucker, Clarkston, Stonecrest) each have their own rules that mirror the county threshold in most cases.
Permit Thresholds — Atlanta (East Metro) Area
| City / Jurisdiction | Backyard Threshold | Front Yard | Fee | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unincorporated DeKalb County | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$75 | (404) 371-4953 |
| City of Decatur | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$80 | (404) 370-4100 |
| Dunwoody | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$80 | (678) 382-6700 |
| Brookhaven | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$80 | (404) 637-0500 |
| Tucker | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $50–$75 | (678) 730-5600 |
| Stonecrest | Over 6 ft | Over 4 ft | $45–$70 | (470) 999-1000 |
Key Rules for Dekalb County Ga
DeKalb County has several historic neighborhood overlays (Candler Park, Kirkwood, Oakhurst) where fence design may require additional review. Dunwoody and Brookhaven, incorporated in 2008 and 2012 respectively, have active building departments with online permit portals. DeKalb's unincorporated area continues to shrink as more communities incorporate — confirm your jurisdiction before applying.
How to Apply
- Identify your jurisdiction — Confirm whether your address falls under city, county, or township rules. Use your county's online parcel viewer.
- Get HOA approval first — If you're in an HOA, obtain written architectural approval before applying for any government permit.
- Prepare documents — Completed application, site plan with setback measurements, property survey or plat, HOA approval letter.
- Submit and pay — DeKalb County: (404) 371-4953. Fee: $50–$80 in most DeKalb jurisdictions.
- Build and inspect — Post permit at job site. Schedule final inspection after fence is complete.
Setback Rules
Standard residential setbacks in Georgia allow fences at the rear and side property lines (0 ft setback) in most residential zones. Front yard fences must sit behind the right-of-way line — not at the curb or sidewalk. Corner lots face sight triangle restrictions at intersections. Use our Setback Calculator for estimates, or confirm with your building department.
HOA Rules in the Atlanta (East Metro) Area
The Atlanta (East Metro) metro has significant HOA coverage in newer suburban developments. HOA approval and a building permit are separate requirements — get written HOA approval first, then apply for the permit. See our HOA Rules guides for homeowner protections in Georgia. Use our HOA Dispute Decision Tree if you’ve received a denial.
Free: Fence Permit Application Checklist
Every document and step for your permit application in the Atlanta (East Metro) area.
⬇ Download Free PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Standard residential fence permits typically take 3–10 business days in most Atlanta (East Metro) area jurisdictions. Applications in flood zones or requiring variance consideration take 3–6 weeks. Always apply before ordering materials or scheduling your contractor.
Yes, if both apply. They are entirely separate processes. Get written HOA approval first, then apply for the building permit. One does not substitute for the other.
In most Georgia jurisdictions, homeowners may pull their own building permits for work on their primary residence. You do not need a licensed contractor to obtain the permit, though any contractor doing the work must be licensed to operate in that city or county. Confirm with your specific building department.