Snellville's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Snellville, Georgia, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Coastal Development
Not applicable. Snellville is an inland metro Atlanta city in Gwinnett County, approximately 250 miles from the Georgia coast. The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act (GA Code 12-5-280 et seq.) and Shore Protection Act do not apply here, and the DNR Coastal Resources Division has no jurisdiction.
Key details: Coastal: N/A - inland. Distance to Coast: ~250 miles. CMPA: Does not apply. Applicable Watershed: Yellow River / Ocmulgee. Relevant Rule: GA E&S Act stream buffer.
None - regulation does not apply inland.
The rules around coastal development in Snellville lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Flood Zones
Snellville participates in NFIP. Floodplain management via Chapter 42 of city code; FEMA FIRM panels effective 2008. Development in SFHA requires elevation certificate and floodplain permit.
Key details: NFIP: Participating community. Freeboard: 1 ft above BFE. Code: Chapter 42. FIRM: Gwinnett County panels.
Work in floodplain without permit: stop-work order plus $500-$1,000/day civil penalty. Must remove non-compliant structures.
Stormwater Management
Snellville is an NPDES Phase II MS4 permittee. Illicit discharge prohibited. Monthly stormwater utility fee funds infrastructure; new development requires water quality BMPs.
Key details: MS4: Phase II permittee. Code: Chapter 86. Fee: Monthly on utility bill. Illicit Discharge: Prohibited.
Illicit discharge: $250-$1,000 civil penalty per day. Repeat: criminal prosecution possible under O.C.G.A. §12-5-20+.
Erosion Control
Land disturbance >1 acre requires E&S permit under GA Erosion & Sedimentation Act (O.C.G.A. §12-7). Snellville is a certified Local Issuing Authority via Chapter 36 of city code.
Key details: Trigger: 1+ acre disturbed. Buffer: 25 ft state waters. State Law: O.C.G.A. §12-7. Fine: Up to $2,500/day.
Stop-work order; civil penalty up to $2,500/day per violation under O.C.G.A. §12-7-15. Repeat violators: permit revocation.
Compared to other cities, Snellville takes a harder line on erosion control. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Grading & Drainage
Grading permits required for land disturbance per Chapter 36. Must not divert stormwater onto adjacent properties. Follows GA Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book).
Key details: Permit: Required before earthwork. Manual: GSMM Blue Book. Runoff: No net increase. Diversion: Onto neighbors prohibited.
Grading without permit: stop-work plus $500-$1,000 fine. Drainage nuisance: civil abatement action; neighbors may sue under common law.
The Bottom Line
Snellville's environmental rules 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 Snellville is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Snellville's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.