Garage conversion rules in DeKalb County, GA — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Garage conversions to habitable space or an ADU in unincorporated DeKalb County require a building permit (404-371-3026). Must comply with Georgia Residential Code (IRC) for insulation, egress, HVAC, and electrical. ADU rules (§4.2.3) apply if creating a separate unit including owner-occupancy requirement.
Converting a garage to habitable space or an ADU in unincorporated DeKalb County requires a building permit from Building Inspection (404-371-3026). The conversion must comply with the Georgia Residential Code (IRC) for insulation, HVAC, egress, and electrical systems. If the conversion creates a separate dwelling unit, ADU regulations (Zoning Ordinance §4.2.3) apply — including owner-occupancy requirements, homestead exemption, minimum lot size (10,000 sq ft), and ADU size limits (900 sq ft max). Loss of required parking must be addressed.
Unpermitted conversion: $500 to $2,000. May require restoration to garage or retroactive permitting.
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See how DeKalb County's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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