How Dunwoody Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Dunwoody maintains 40 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Dunwoody falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Carport Rules

Dunwoody regulates carports as accessory structures under Chapter 27 of the Zoning Ordinance. Detached carports must be located in the rear yard of R-100 lots, may not exceed 20 feet in height or the height of the principal dwelling, and require a building permit reviewed under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Residential Code.

Key details: Code Authority: Ch. 27 Zoning + Sec. 27-731. R-100 Location: Rear yard only (detached). Height Cap: 20 ft or principal structure height. Permit: Required, Community Development. Building Code: GA State Min. Std. (2018 IRC) - 2024 IRC eff. 1/1/2026.

Building a carport without a permit, in a side or front yard in R-100, exceeding 20 feet in height, or violating overlay design rules is enforceable by Dunwoody Code Enforcement (678-382-6890, compliance@dunwoodyga.gov) and Community Development. Per O.C.G.A. 36-1-20, violations are punishable by fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail, with each day a separate offense; remedies can include stop-work orders and removal.

Shed Rules

Storage sheds in Dunwoody are regulated under the Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27) as accessory structures. Sheds must meet setback requirements, be placed in rear or side yards, and comply with lot coverage limits. Sheds over 144 sq ft generally require a building permit from Community Development.

Key details: Ordinance: Ch. 27, §4-1. Location: Rear or side yard. Typical Setback: 5 feet from property lines. Permit Threshold: Generally required over 144 sq ft. Community Development: 678-382-6800.

Building without permit: $200 to $500. Setback violation: forced relocation or removal. HOA fines separate.

ADU Rules

ADUs in Dunwoody are regulated by the Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27). Georgia has no statewide ADU mandate; Dunwoody determines eligibility by parcel zoning. Contact Planning and Zoning (678-382-6800) to confirm whether an ADU is permitted on a specific property and what standards apply.

Key details: Governing Code: Ch. 27, §4-1 and §4-9. ADU Eligibility: Depends on zoning district. State ADU Law: None — locally determined. Planning Division: 678-382-6800.

Unpermitted ADU: $500 to $2,000. May require demolition or retroactive permitting. Zoning violation: $250/day.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions to habitable space in Dunwoody require a building permit and must comply with the IRC and Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27). Converted space must meet insulation, egress, HVAC, and electrical standards. ADU rules apply if creating a separate dwelling unit. Parking requirements must be addressed.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — building permit. Code Compliance: IRC standards required. ADU Rules: Apply if separate unit created. Parking: Must address required parking loss. Community Development: 678-382-6800.

Unpermitted conversion: $500 to $2,000. May require restoration to garage or retroactive permitting.

The Bottom Line

Dunwoody's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Dunwoody is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Dunwoody's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.