# Johns Creek fence planning checklist

> A printable fence planning checklist for Johns Creek homes: the property line, HOA approval, the city permit, Georgia 811 and what an estimate should cover.

URL: https://uprightjohnscreekfencing.com/resources/

Printable checklist

For anyone planning a new or replacement fence or gate in Johns Creek and north Fulton. It lists what to settle before anyone digs: where the line is, what the HOA and the city need, Georgia 811, and what to ask every estimate to spell out.

See what is inside

## What the checklist covers

### Where the line is

An old fence, a hedge or a mowing line is not proof of the property line. Settle the line first, because the site plan, the permit and the HOA review all build on it.

- Find the recorded plat for the lot, usually in your closing papers.
- Look for the iron pins at the corners. If they cannot be found, or the line is in doubt, a Georgia registered land surveyor can mark it.
- Note any easements on the plat, such as drainage, sewer or utility easements, before drawing the fence across them.

### The HOA

Many Johns Creek subdivisions have an architectural review committee. Its approval is separate from the city permit; one does not replace the other.

- Read the covenants and architectural guidelines for height, style, material, color and placement.
- Submit a site plan and a picture or drawing of the fence style.
- Keep the committee's written approval with your records, and start the review early; committees meet on their own schedules.

### The city permit and local rules

The City of Johns Creek requires a fence permit to put up a new fence and to replace an existing one, applied for online with a site plan. Nearby cities each have their own rules.

- Confirm the height allowed for your yard, and any limits near corners where a fence could block sight lines.
- Along property lines, plan for the finished side of the fence to face the neighbor (confirm with the city).
- In single-family subdivisions, wire or plastic fencing, including chain link, is not allowed along a street (confirm with the city).
- Outside Johns Creek, check the city: some nearby cities restrict vinyl or require chain link to be vinyl-coated and kept to side and rear yards.
- For a pool, the barrier is reviewed with the pool permit under Georgia's adopted pool and spa code.

### Before anyone digs

Georgia law requires a Georgia 811 locate request before digging with mechanized equipment, including a powered post-hole auger, and a wait of at least 3 business days for marks. A normal request lasts 30 calendar days.

- Make sure the locate request is in and every utility has responded before the first hole.
- Mark private lines yourself: irrigation, landscape and pool lighting, invisible dog fence wire, and lines to sheds or pool equipment. Georgia 811 does not mark them.
- Keep paint marks and flags visible until the posts are set.

Source: [Georgia 811 excavator manual](https://georgia811.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Excavator-Guide-English.pdf).

### What every estimate should spell out

Comparing quotes is easier when each one answers the same questions.

- Material, height, style and post type, size and spacing.
- How posts are set: depth, gravel base and concrete, and what happens if rock turns up.
- Each gate: width, swing, hardware and how the hinge post is supported.
- How the fence handles slopes: racked or stepped, and how gaps are closed.
- Tear-out and disposal of the old fence.
- Who handles the site plan, the HOA submittal, the city permit and the Georgia 811 request.

### Fill in before you call

A few facts make the first conversation much more useful.

- Property address and ZIP
- Rough length of the line
- Material, style and height you want
- Number and width of gates
- Flat, some slope, or steep
- Old fence to remove: yes or no
- HOA: name and any guideline you have
- Dog, pool or both
- Private lines you know of
- Any deadline: sale, pool inspection, HOA meeting