Thinking about adding a fence or a backyard shed in Dunwoody? A little planning up front can save you time, money, and headaches later. You want to protect your privacy, organize your outdoor space, and keep projects moving smoothly. In this guide, you’ll learn when you need a permit, how tall your fence can be, where a shed can go, and what to watch for with setbacks, stream buffers, and easements. Let’s dive in.
Dunwoody permit basics
When fence permits are required
Most new fences and many replacements need approval. You need a permit if any part of your fence is in the front yard, on a corner lot, or within a mapped stream buffer. If your fence is entirely in the rear yard, a permit is not required, but zoning rules still apply. Review the city’s guidance on Dunwoody fence permits before you start.
When shed permits are required
Storage sheds count as accessory structures. Dunwoody lists “storage sheds” as work that requires a permit when you build new, replace, or add to structures at a single-family home. Check the city’s Residential Single-Family permits page for submittal expectations and plan review.
Where setbacks and placement rules live
Setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage come from the Zoning Ordinance. If your lot has unique conditions, talk with Planning and Zoning early for a quick read on what is allowed and whether an adjustment or variance could help. Start with the city’s Planning and Zoning resources for contacts and process.
Fence rules and steps
Height and materials highlights
- Front and street-side yards: up to 4 feet.
- Interior side and rear yards: up to 8 feet. Some street-side yards on collector or arterial streets may allow up to 8 feet.
- Materials and visibility near driveways and corners often have added rules. See the city’s summary of residential fence heights and common violations and confirm any sight triangle requirements with staff.
Permit checklist for fences
- Any fence in a front yard or on a corner lot requires a permit.
- Fences inside a mapped stream buffer or floodplain require review and may need a variance.
- Rear-yard-only fences do not need a permit, but zoning still applies. Check Dunwoody fence permits for details.
How to apply
- Prepare a site plan showing property lines and proposed fence location. A survey or SmartMap print is acceptable.
- Complete the Fence and Wall application and Owner Affidavit, then submit per city instructions. Dunwoody processes permits through its CentralSquare portal.
- Residential fence permits are typically issued in 1 to 3 business days and the city notes there is no fee for residential fence permits. See Dunwoody fence permits for the current process.
Smart tips before you build
- Confirm property lines with a survey so posts do not cross the line.
- Call 811 before digging for post holes.
- Use SmartMap to check right-of-way, and do not place fences in public right-of-way. The city’s page includes SmartMap and right-of-way guidance.
Sheds and accessory structures
Permit triggers from the city
If you are building, replacing, or adding a shed, expect to need a permit. Plan to provide a site plan and any required drawings for review. The Residential Single-Family permits page outlines what to submit.
Placement and setbacks
Placement standards, including side and rear setbacks, are in the Zoning Ordinance. If your lot is a corner lot or has unusual easements or topography, ask Planning and Zoning for a quick review before you buy or install a shed. For adjustments or relief, see the city’s zoning-related applications for variances and administrative permits.
Stream buffers and trees
Dunwoody maps a local 75-foot stream buffer in addition to state requirements. Any land disturbance or structures in these buffers are tightly regulated and may require extra permits or variances. Review the Dunwoody Stream Buffers overview and check the SmartMap layers before you set your shed location. If tree removal is part of your project, confirm thresholds on the city’s tree regulations.
Pre-install checklist for sheds
- Locate or order a survey that shows property lines and easements.
- Check SmartMap for stream buffers, floodplain, and right-of-way.
- Confirm whether your shed size triggers plan review or additional permits.
- Verify tree removal rules and any land-disturbance needs.
- Hire a licensed contractor for larger sheds and include footing details if required.
Setbacks, right-of-way, easements
Find your lines
Use Dunwoody’s parcel viewer to understand where public right-of-way ends and your property begins. Structures are generally not allowed in public right-of-way. Start with the city’s SmartMap and right-of-way guidance and confirm with your survey.
Corner lots and sight lines
Corner lots often have two front yards. That changes fence height rules and may introduce clear-visibility zones near intersections and driveways. Check the city’s summary of common zoning violations and verify sight triangle requirements with Planning and Zoning.
Easements and utilities
Utility easements are common along rear or side yards. Even when you own the land, utilities may have rights to access or remove obstructions. Avoid placing footings or structures inside easements and confirm locations with your survey and the city’s SmartMap. The city’s guidance on right-of-way and signs covers these basics under permit resources.
Variances, timing, and enforcement
Paths to relief
If you cannot meet a setback or height standard, you may request an administrative adjustment or apply for a variance through the Zoning Board of Appeals. See process details and deadlines on Dunwoody’s zoning-related applications page.
Fees and processing times
Residential fence permits carry no fee and are commonly issued within 1 to 3 business days. Other permit fees vary by scope and are set by the city’s fee schedule. For plan review timelines on sheds or larger projects, check with Community Development. Reference the timelines on Dunwoody fence permits as a baseline.
Code enforcement
Unpermitted construction, work in stream buffers, or tree violations can lead to notices, fines, or required removal. Familiarize yourself with the city’s Code Enforcement overview and the list of frequent code violations before you build.
Plan with confidence
A little homework goes a long way in Dunwoody. Confirm your lines, check buffers and easements, and match your design to local height and setback rules. If you want a second set of eyes on your plan or you are timing improvements with a move, reach out for guidance that fits your goals. Connect with Katherine Duquette for calm, local support on projects and next steps toward your purchase or sale.
FAQs
Do I need a fence permit in Dunwoody if the fence is in my rear yard only?
- If the fence is entirely in the rear yard, you do not need a fence permit, but you must still follow zoning rules and avoid right-of-way or easements.
What is the maximum fence height for Dunwoody homes?
- Up to 4 feet in front and street-side yards, and up to 8 feet in interior side and rear yards, with some allowances on certain street-side yards; confirm specifics with the city’s guidance on fence heights.
Where do I find shed setbacks for my Dunwoody lot?
- Setbacks and dimensional standards are in the Zoning Ordinance; contact Planning and Zoning and review the Residential Single-Family permits page for placement guidance and submittal needs.
Can I place a shed or fence near a stream in Dunwoody?
- Work inside mapped stream buffers is tightly regulated and may require extra permits or variances, so check the Stream Buffers overview and SmartMap layers before you build.
How long does a Dunwoody residential fence permit take and what does it cost?
- The city indicates most residential fence permits are issued in 1 to 3 business days and there is no fee for residential fence permits.
