What do I need to check before building a fence? Your HOA rules, which city or county covers your address, whether a permit is needed, your property lines and easements, and a utility locate. The checklist below walks you through it, and the county sections link to our town pages.
Last checked: October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with your city or county before you build.
Your fence checklist
- Read your HOA's fence rules first. Many neighborhoods set height, style, and even stain color. HOA approval is separate from any city or county permit, and an HOA can decline a fence the city would allow.
- Confirm who covers your address. The city, the county, or both can apply, and a mailing city often does not match the jurisdiction. Your county tax parcel lookup or the city's planning office can tell you.
- Ask whether a permit is needed. Rules differ by place, and height, location on the lot, pools, and corner lots can change the answer. Ask the city or county office before you build.
- Know your property lines. Find your plat or survey and look for pins. A fence belongs on your side of the line, and easements can limit where it may go.
- Check easements and setbacks. Utility, drainage, and sight-line easements can restrict where a fence or gate may sit, especially on corner lots.
- Plan for utilities. Georgia requires a utility locate through Georgia 811 before digging. We call in the locate for the fences we install.
- Pool? Check the barrier rules. Pool fences often have their own height, gate, and latch requirements that differ by city and county.
- Talk to your neighbors. A quick heads-up avoids surprises, especially when the fence runs along a shared line.
- Get it all in writing. Keep your HOA approval, any permit, and your written estimate together before work starts.
Rules by county and town
Each page lists the office that applies, what to ask, and local notes. Pick your town.
Forsyth County
Start by finding out whether your lot is inside the City of Cumming or in unincorporated Forsyth County. Our Forsyth County permit guide and HOA guide go deeper.
Gwinnett County
Gwinnett fences are governed city by city, and a mailing address often does not match the jurisdiction. Confirm which city or the county covers your parcel.
North Fulton County and Sandy Springs
Each of these cities has its own fence rules and permit process, so check with the city that covers your address.
Cherokee County
Cherokee County rules apply outside city limits, and the cities set their own rules inside them. Confirm which applies to you.
Cobb County communities
Cobb County communities range from city limits to unincorporated Cobb. Acworth also sits along the Cherokee County line, so confirm which rules govern your lot.
Hall County
Hall County and its cities each have their own permitting. Fencing near Lake Lanier can add its own considerations.
Dawson County
Check whether you are inside the City of Dawsonville or in Dawson County, and see our notes on ranch rail and farm fencing.
Go deeper
- Do you need a permit to build a fence in Forsyth County?
- Building a fence in an HOA neighborhood
- All the towns we serve
- How it works, from estimate to final walkthrough
Common questions
Which comes first, HOA approval or the permit?
Usually HOA approval first, because an HOA can decline a fence the city or county would allow. If a permit is also required, you typically get it once your plans are settled. Approval is always the HOA's decision, and we handle the HOA approval paperwork.
Do I need a survey to build a fence?
Not always, but you need to know your property lines. If you have a recorded plat or survey, bring it to the walkthrough. We verify your property lines with you before the fence goes in, and a survey is the most reliable way to settle any doubt.
Who calls 811 before digging?
Georgia requires a utility locate through Georgia 811 before digging. We call in the locate for the fences we install, and it takes a few business days, so it is part of the schedule.
Can an HOA say no to a fence the city allows?
Yes. HOA covenants are separate from city and county rules, and an HOA can set stricter limits on height, style, material, or color. Check your HOA's guidelines before you plan.