DeKalb County, GA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Bonus amount
- 50% above base density
- Qualifying certification
- LEED, EarthCraft or equivalent
- Applies to
- RSM district subdivisions only
- Mandatory green code
- None: incentive only
Summary
DeKalb doesn't mandate green construction, but in the RSM zoning district, developers who certify buildings for LEED or EarthCraft accreditation earn a 50% density bonus above the base allowance.
50% greater than base Sustainability Elements Certification that proposed buildings, if built as designed, would be accredited by LEED®, EarthCraft, or other similar national accreditation organization, for energy- and water-efficient site and building design. Mixed Income or Mixed Age 30-year enforceable commitment approved by the county attorney and recorded on the deed records that total number of units will be reserved to be occupied as follows: 10% by very low income households, or 20% by low income households, or 25% for senior citizens. Household income level shall be as established by the Atlanta Regional Commission. Additional Enhanced Open Space Additional enhanced open space (with standards established by article 5) comprise 20% of the overall development site. 100% greater than base Additional Enhanced Open Space Enhanced open space comprises 35% or more of the overall development site. MARTA Rapid Transit Station Existing MARTA rapid transit station is located within ¼ mile of the property boundary. Reinvestment Areas Property is located within an Enterprise Zone or Opportunity Zone.
(Ord. No. 15-06, 8-25-2015; Ord. No. 2023-0185, Pt. I, 8-22-2023)
Full Breakdown
DeKalb County has no county-wide mandatory green building code; new construction instead follows the state-adopted International Energy Conservation Code under Chapter 7. What the zoning ordinance offers is a voluntary incentive: Table 2.6 under Sec. 2.12.5, applicable to the RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) District, grants a 50-percent increase over the base maximum density when the applicant certifies that buildings, as designed, would be accredited by LEED, EarthCraft or a similar national green-building accreditation organization for energy- and water-efficient site and building design. The bonus applies only to subdivisions in the RSM district, not individual infill lots or other zones.
Violations & Fines
Claiming the Sustainability Elements density bonus without a valid LEED, EarthCraft or equivalent accreditation certification is grounds for the county to deny or reverse the approved bonus density under Sec. 2.12.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DeKalb require green building certification?
Can an individual infill lot get the density bonus?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeKalb County
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