Dunwoody's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Dunwoody, Georgia, there are 4 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.

Grass Height Limits

Dunwoody requires grass and weeds to be maintained below 10 inches in height. Code Enforcement issues a courtesy notice when grass exceeds the limit, giving the owner 10 days to comply before a citation is issued. The city may mow and bill the property owner for non-compliance.

Key details: Max Grass Height: 10 inches. Notice Period: 10 days to comply after notice. City Mowing: May mow and bill owner. Report: 678-382-6890.

First notice: 7 to 14 days to comply. City abatement: $200 to $500 billed to owner. Lien placed for unpaid abatement.

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.

Key details: Ordinance: Ch. 16, Division 6. Single-Family Lots: No permit required (must maintain density). Non-Residential Lots: Permit required for protected trees. Stream Buffer: 75 feet — permit always required. Stream Buffer Penalty: Up to $1,000 or 6 months.

Unpermitted removal within stream buffer: up to $1,000 per violation or 6 months in jail.

Tree Trimming

Dunwoody's tree ordinance (Ch. 16, Div. 6) protects hardwood trees with 10+ inch DBH, softwoods with 20+ inch DBH, and understory trees with 6+ inch DBH. Routine pruning of branches generally does not require a permit. Trimming within the 75-foot stream buffer requires permits and care.

Key details: Ordinance: Ch. 16, Division 6. Protected Hardwoods: 10+ inch DBH. Protected Softwoods: 20+ inch DBH. Stream Buffer: 75-foot buffer — permits required. Pruning Standard: ANSI A300 recommended.

Unpermitted removal: $500 to $5,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Civil liability for damage to neighbor's trees.

Water Restrictions

Outdoor water use in Dunwoody is supplied by DeKalb County Watershed Management. Georgia Water Stewardship Act (2010) baseline outdoor watering schedule applies. During drought, EPD Level 1–4 restrictions may limit or prohibit outdoor watering. Check DeKalb County Water for current status.

Key details: Water Provider: DeKalb County Watershed Mgmt.. State Law: GA Water Stewardship Act (2010). Even Addresses: Tue/Thu/Sat. Odd Addresses: Wed/Fri/Sun. Drought Restrictions: EPD Level 1–4 apply.

First violation: warning. Second: $100 to $250. Third: $500+. Water service restriction possible during severe drought.

The Bottom Line

Dunwoody's landscaping 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 Dunwoody is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Dunwoody's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.