Fence Permits

When is a Fence Permit required?
A Fence Permit is required to install a new fence or gate or replace an existing fence on residential and commercial properties.

• General Use Residential Fences are fences used to enclose a residential property. Inspections are required for fences over seven (7) feet in height.
• Masonry Piers are required to be reviewed and pass footing inspections. 
• Vehicular and Electronic Gates are required to be reviewed by the Building Division and Fire Marshal’s Office. Inspections are required.
• Subdivision Complex Enclosures/Commercial Fences and Complex Enclosures must be reviewed by the Building Division and Fire Marshal's Office.
• Commercial Dumpster Enclosures require the submittal of a site plan via a Building Permit, which generally takes at least ten (10) business days for review. If the installation of a dumpster pad is proposed, Fulton County approval may also be required.

When is a Fence Permit not required?
A Fence Permit is not required for temporary security purposes during construction. It is also not required for pool enclosures that are part of a Pool Permit application.

Who can apply for a Fence Permit?
A Fence Permit can be obtained by a licensed contractor, property owner, or property owner’s representative.

Applying for a Fence Permit

You can apply for a permit online at Build Sandy Springs. Build Sandy Springs is where you can complete your application, submit construction drawings, pay invoices, request inspections, and view your current permit status.

You can also Schedule an Appointment via QLess to meet with one of our Permit Technicians at City Hall for further assistance with your application.

Application Documents

• A site plan or a survey is preferred showing the proposed fence location.  If you don't have one, please contact staff for application assistance.
• For pool enclosures, demonstrate compliance with Code Section 305 of the current International Pool and Spa Code and the Development Code Sec. 7.8.24.A.2.d. and Sec. 8.3.10. on the site plan.
• Provide a detail of each proposed fence, gate, and/or piers that includes the height, design, material, dimensions, and color.

Associated Documents

• Authorized Agent Affidavit
• Commercial Owner Authorization Affidavit
• Residential Owner-Contractor Affidavit

Fence Permit Types

• Fence - Commercial No Vehicular Gate
• Fence - Commercial with Vehicular Gate 
• Fence - Residential No Vehicular Gate 
• Fence - Residential with Vehicular Gate 

Construction Drawings

Drawing Submittal Requirements: The following is an example of construction drawings that would be required to complete plan review and issue a permit for a Fence Permit.

• Cover Sheet and Sheet Index with the project address and a sheet list of all drawings submitted for plan review.
• Civil Drawings
  • Existing Conditions/Survey
  • Site Plans including all setbacks, buffers and easements clearly labeled and shall include the lot coverage calculations. Indicate the shortest dimensions between piers on the site plan. Also include any existing utility services such as water, sewer, septic fields, etc.
  • Grading and Drainage Plans
  • Fence, Gate, and Masonry Pier Details, if applicable. Provide a detail of each proposed fence, gate, and pier, and indicate the height, design, material, and color (as well as width, for piers) of each.
  • Erosion Control Plans clearly indicating the BMP locations with standard details.
  • Tree Conservation Plan including the canopy coverage calculations.

Permit Fees

The total fee for a standard Fence Permit is $80.  This includes:

• $25 Admin Fee
• $50 Certificate of Completion
• $5 Technology Fee

Any fence with a Vehicular Gate will incur an additional $100 Plan Review Fee and an additional $5 Technology Fee for a total of $185.

Required Inspections

Inspections are required for fences that are over seven (7) feet in height, masonry piers, and vehicular and electronic gates, as well as any applications that require a Building Permit.