Roswell, GA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Building height is regulated in both number of stories and feet and is measured from the average grade to the mean height level between the eaves and ridge of a gable, hip, mansard, or gambrel roof or to the highest point of roof surface of a flat roof. 2.2.11.A

B.Average grade is determined by calculating the average of the highest and lowest elevation along natural or improved grade (whichever is more restrictive) along the front of the building parallel to the primary street setback line. 2.2.11.B

C.Where a lot slopes downward from the front property line, one story that is additional to the specified maximum number of stories may be built on the lower, rear portion of the lot as long as a minimum of 50% of this floor is below the street grade and a basement with 50% or more of its perimeter wall area surrounded by natural grade is not considered a story. Where a lot slopes upward, where the natural grade rises up from the front property line, an administrative variance may be requested to allow one story that is additional to the allowed maximum number of stories to be built underneath the ground floor, as long as 50% or more of the perimeter wall of this story is below natural grade.

2.2.11.C

D.A half story has less than 50% of the attic floor area with a clear height of 7½ feet or more; measured from the finished floor to the finished ceiling. Attic floor area or greater than 50% is considered a full story. 2.2.11.D