Sandy Springs Bans Barbed Wire, Electric Fencing

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Citing safety concerns for its public safety personnel, the city of Sandy Springs has banned the use of electric or barbed wire fencing within its jurisdiction. The change was unanimously adopted by the City Council at its Jan. 15 meeting.

The amendment prohibits the use of "electric or electrified fence, or any fence constructed of barbed wire or concertina wire, or any fence consisting solely of horizontal metal wires," according to the city.

This change stems from a near-encounter Police Chief Ken DeSimone had with an electrified fence. Sandy Springs Fire-Rescue personnel were called to a fire at a residence on Lake Forrest Drive just south of Northwood Drive. DeSimone went to the scene to check out the response.

"You learn at a crime scene to always put your hands in your pockets," he said, prefacing his story.

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The property had a chain-length fence around it, which DeSimone said was "strange." One of the fire captains at the scene told him the fence was "hot." There were no insulators around the fence, and a Georgia Power technician used a tester to determine the fence was electrified.

DeSimone told Patch that there was no indication that the fence was live. Police and fire personnel learned the resident, an older male, erected the fence as a possible crime prevention tool. DeSimone said this example was his first experience with a live fence in the city of Sandy Springs.

No one was injured, but Sandy Springs notes the presence of these type of fences "presents a safety hazard for both emergency responders and the general public."

"The impetus for the change centers on safety, for both our public safety personnel as well as our community members," said Sandy Springs Fire Chief Kith Sanders. "Electrified and barbed fencing impedes our personnel from responding, in addition to the life-safety risk for individuals who inadvertently may come in contact with the fence."

Amy Henderson, a spokesperson with the Georgia Municipal Association, said it's not uncommon for cities to enact bans like Sandy Springs has adopted.

While Sandy Springs doesn't have an estimate on the number of properties impacted, the city's code enforcement officers will inform residents who are in violation about the change while they conduct their normal duties.

The ordinance will go into effect immediately, but Council members approved a 30-day delay in enforcing the new rule so property owners can have time to comply with the change.

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