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DeKalb County, GA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

SF district cap
25% of lot
RLG district cap
30% of lot
R-100/85/75/60 cap
35% of lot
RNC district cap
50% of lot
Pervious bonus
Up to 15% more

Summary

In unincorporated DeKalb County, no lot can exceed the maximum lot coverage set for its zoning district, as low as 25 percent in the SF district and up to 90 percent under certain overlay districts, plus a 15 percent pervious-material allowance.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No lot shall be developed to exceed the maximum allowable coverage by buildings, structures, driveways or parking areas, or any other impervious surface specified for the zoning district in which the lot is located. In addition to the maximum impervious surface amount, pervious materials may be added up to a maximum amount of fifteen (15) percent of the total lot area.

Source: Municode LibraryView official code

Full Breakdown

Lot coverage, the share of a lot covered by buildings, structures, driveways, parking areas and other impervious surface, is capped per zoning district under the residential dimensional requirements table: 25 percent in the SF district, 30 percent in RLG, and 35 percent in R-100, R-85, R-75 and R-60. Sec. 5.1.10 bars any lot from exceeding its district's cap but lets pervious materials add up to 15 percent more coverage. Single-family lots in the RNC Conservation District follow a separate 50 percent cap under Sec. 2.10.9. This governs unincorporated DeKalb only, cities like Decatur, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Tucker and Stonecrest set their own coverage limits.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the lot-coverage limit is a zoning misdemeanor under Sec. 7.7.17; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and the county can require the excess coverage removed or revoke permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts toward lot coverage in DeKalb County?
Buildings, structures, driveways, parking areas and other impervious surface count; wooden decks, ungrouted stone walkways/patios, and pervious pavement are treated as pervious and excluded, per the zoning ordinance's lot-coverage definition.
How much of my lot can I cover in unincorporated DeKalb?
It depends on your zoning district, 25% in SF, 30% in RLG, 35% in R-100/R-85/R-75/R-60, or 50% in RNC, plus up to 15% more using pervious materials.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsSetback RulesSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All DeKalb County rules

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