A Resident's Guide to Dunwoody's Local Ordinances

Dunwoody, Georgia may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 40 tracked ordinances across 12 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Dunwoody publishes no occupancy cap for short-term rentals because the rental of any single-family or multi-family residence for fewer than 30 days is prohibited under Chapter 27 of the City Code. The 30-day minimum lease is the operative rule..

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (strict), Noise Rules (strict), Permit Requirements (strict). See the full short-term rentals guide for Dunwoody for details.

Accessory Structures

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..

Also covered: Shed Rules (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Dunwoody for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Dunwoody Zoning Ordinance §27-206(b)(5): fences in street yards are limited to 4 feet. Interior side and rear yard fences may be up to 8 feet.

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Dunwoody for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Home occupation signage in Dunwoody is heavily restricted. Commercial signs advertising a home business are generally prohibited in residential zones.

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Dunwoody for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Dunwoody residential pools must comply with Georgia's pool barrier requirements under the adopted International Residential Code (IRC). Pools deeper than 24 inches must have a 48-inch minimum barrier fully enclosing the pool.

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Dunwoody for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Consumer fireworks (1.4G) are legal statewide under GA Code §25-10-1 (10 AM–midnight; extended hours on designated holidays). Cities cannot ban fireworks under §25-10-5.1.

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (permissive). See the full fire regulations guide for Dunwoody for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Dunwoody Chapter 18 restricts construction and landscaping noise. Landscape contractors may not operate motorized equipment before 7:30 AM or after 8:30 PM on weekdays; before 8:00 AM or after 8:30 PM on Saturdays; and no work on Sundays or Christmas Day.

Also covered: Quiet Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate), Amplified Music & Events (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Dunwoody for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Tree removal permits in Dunwoody are required for: hardwoods 10+ inch DBH on non-residential/multi-family lots; softwoods 20+ inch DBH; understory trees 6+ inch DBH on those lots; and any tree in the 75-foot stream buffer. Single-family homeowners are exempt from permits but must meet site tree density requirements..

Also covered: Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Water Restrictions (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Dunwoody for details.

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: Street parking in Dunwoody is regulated by the Code of Ordinances. Standard prohibitions apply: no parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, no blocking of driveways, no double-parking.

Also covered: Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Dunwoody for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Exotic and wild animals (Class 1) are prohibited under Georgia law (GA Code §27-5-4). Dunwoody's Zoning Ordinance (§4-5) addresses animal care facilities; residential keeping of dangerous wild animals is not permitted.

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (permissive), Beekeeping (moderate), Dog Leash Laws (strict). See the full animal ordinances guide for Dunwoody for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Dunwoody participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Development in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) requires a floodplain development permit.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Dunwoody enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours..

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Dunwoody, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Dunwoody's city hall or code enforcement office.