How to Build a Fence in Gwinnett County, Georgia

The steps to construct a fence in Gwinnett County, Ga., are identical to most other parts of the United States. However, fence builders must abide by Gwinnett County's strict regulations when constructing a new fence. Front-yard fences may not exceed 4 feet in height. Backyard fences may not exceed 8 feet in height. Materials must include brick, masonry, picket, or split railing. Front yards are not permitted to have chain link and other woven fences. A commonly built fence that is permitted in Gwinnett County is a 4-foot high, two-rail, wooden picket fence.

Pencil
Paper
Stakes
String
Measuring tape
Marking paint
Chalk line
4-inch by 4-inch by 6-foot pressure-treated posts
2-inch by 4-inch by 8-foot boards
1-inch by 4-inch by 4-foot pickets
Concrete mix
Water hose
Masons hoe
Wheelbarrow
Level
Post-hole diggers
Framing nail gun with nails
Siding nail gun with nails
Air compressor and hose

Instructions

- 1
  Research the specific regulations for building a fence in Gwinnett County. Go online and pull up the county requirements for Fences and Walls. (http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/planning/pdf/fences_&_walls.pdf). Use this as a resource when planning the new fence.
- 2
  Measure and record each side of the fence exactly where the fence will be built. Create a schematic map by drawing the fence on a piece of paper complete with measurements.
- 3
  Visit a store that sells wood for fences. Ask a sales associate to compile a materials list from the schematic map. Purchase the materials and schedule a delivery.
- 4
  Identify where to set the 4-by-4 posts. Draw a string line between two stakes to guide where the post holes will be marked. Using marking paint and a measuring tape, spray a mark every 7 feet, 9 inches. This is where the post holes will be dug.
- 5
  Use a regular set of post-hole diggers to dig a hole at each mark. Make sure each hole is 12 to 18 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches wide.
- 6
  Mix each bag of concrete with water and a masons hoe in a wheelbarrow. Set each 4-by-4 post in the post hole perfectly vertical about an eighth of an inch from the string line. Fill the hole with concrete around the post. Before moving on, recheck the post to make sure it is still perfectly vertical and about an eighth of an inch from the string line. Let the concrete dry per the instructions.
- 7
  Measure and mark each corner post at 10 inches and 32 inches from the ground. Holding a chalk line on each corner post at these marks, snap a line to mark all the posts in between. Each post is now marked for attaching the railings.
- 8
  Hold each 2-by-4 between the posts at the chalk line markings. Mark where the 2-by-4 needs to be cut so it will fit between the posts. Cut each 2-by-4 at the marks and fasten them between the two posts using a framing nail gun.
- 9
  Nail each picket onto the rails with the siding nail gun. Use an extra picket as a spacer to keep the space in between the pickets consistent.

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