DeKalb County zoning limits most residential structures to 35 feet (2.5 stories). Commercial and mixed-use districts permit greater heights. Historic and overlay districts may have stricter caps.
DeKalb County Zoning Chapter 27 caps most single-family residential districts (R-75, R-85, R-100, R-200) at 35 feet or 2.5 stories, whichever is less. Multi-family MR districts step up to 45 to 60 feet depending on tier. Commercial C-1/C-2 and office O-I districts allow up to 50 feet by right and higher with conditional use. The Perimeter Center area (partly in DeKalb/partly in City of Dunwoody) allows mid-rise and high-rise via the PC overlay and City of Dunwoody zoning. Height is measured from average finished grade. Chimneys, antennas, flagpoles, and mechanical equipment may exceed the limit by a limited amount. Druid Hills and Stone Mountain Historic districts enforce compatibility review.
Exceeding height limit: stop-work order and fines $500 to $2,500. Required to reduce height or obtain ZBA variance. Historic district overruns may require restoration.
DeKalb County, GA
Construction noise in unincorporated DeKalb County is regulated under Ch. 16, Art. VII, §16-304. Construction and demolition activities (pile drivers, pneuma...
DeKalb County, GA
DeKalb County noise ordinance §16-304 specifically limits animal vocalizations in residential areas: pets may not vocalize continuously for more than 15 minu...
DeKalb County, GA
DeKalb County noise ordinance (Ch. 16, Art. VII) applies to unincorporated areas. Quiet hours: 11:00 PM–7:00 AM in residential areas — it is unlawful to crea...
DeKalb County, GA
Dekalb County regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable dis...
DeKalb County, GA
Recreational vehicles and trailers in residential zones of unincorporated DeKalb County are subject to zoning ordinance (Ch. 27) standards. Long-term RV stor...
DeKalb County, GA
Street parking in unincorporated DeKalb County follows Georgia vehicle code and county ordinances. No parking within 15 feet of fire hydrants, no blocking dr...
See how DeKalb County's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.