Landscaping Rules in Brookhaven, GA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Brookhaven, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Brookhaven, Georgia, Sec. 16-193(a) bars dead or hazardous trees, shrubs and weeds that restrict or impede access to or public use of adjacent sidewalks, paths, trails and streets, or obstruct traffic-control signs and fire hydrants. The section prints no clearance height.
Brookhaven, GA Tree and Shrub Clearance Over Sidewalks
Light RestrictionsBrookhaven Code § 16-193(a), (d)
(a)Vegetation. There shall be no dead or hazardous trees, shrubs, ground cover or weeds likely to harbor vermin or insects, restrict or impede access to or public use of adjacent sidewalks, paths, trails and streets, obstruct traffic-control signs and devices and fire hydrants, or pose a risk of physical injury to the public. ... (d)Invasive vegetation. Invasive plant species on premises and ex...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In the City of Brookhaven, Georgia, Section 14-54(c) requires a City tree removal permit for every non-emergency removal of a tree four inches DBH or larger. Single-dwelling detached properties can remove up to two non-specimen trees every 18 months while keeping 130 DBH inches per acre, and a public notice sign must be posted five days before cutting.
Tree Removal Permits in Brookhaven, Georgia
Significant RestrictionsBrookhaven Code § 14-54(c)
(c)Tree removal permits.(1)The following are requirements for all proposed non-development tree removal within all single-dwelling detached land use properties of the City:a.Tree removal permits issued by the City are required for all non-emergency tree removals. Emergency tree removal is defined in section 14-50;b.All trees four inches DBH or larger require a tree removal permit;c.The removal ...
Weed Ordinances
In the City of Brookhaven, Georgia, Sec. 16-122 makes it unlawful for the owner of improved or previously improved property to let grass, weeds or other undergrowth reach 12 inches or more, in the front, side or rear yard or the right-of-way. Growth at that height is declared a public nuisance and abatable.
Brookhaven, GA 12-Inch Grass and Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsBrookhaven Code § 16-122
It shall be unlawful for the owner of improved property or previously improved property in the city, whether zoned residential, commercial, industrial or other, to have, place or allow grass, weeds and/or other undergrowth to exceed the height of 12 inches or more on such property, including but not limited to, the front, side or rear yard, or right-of-way. Notwithstanding the above, grass, wee...
Water Restrictions
In the City of Brookhaven, Georgia, Sec. 18-42 allows outdoor irrigation of ground cover, trees, shrubs and other plants only between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., with a list of exempt uses such as drip irrigation, hand watering and food gardens. Civil penalties run $250.00 for a second violation and $500.00 for a third, after a written warning.
Brookhaven GA Outdoor Watering Hours and Fines
Some RestrictionsBrookhaven Code § 18-42
(b)State mandated requirement.(1)Persons may irrigate outdoors daily for purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants only between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. ... (e)Civil penalties and fines. With the exception of any violation of subsection (b) of this section, any person or entity accused of violating any provision of this sec...
Composting
In the City of Brookhaven, Georgia, composting landscape waste and food waste is an allowed accessory use in residential zoning districts under § 27-702. Compost piles are capped at 125 cubic feet and five feet high, must sit ten feet from every lot line, and food waste has to go in rodent-resistant bins.
Brookhaven, GA Residential Composting Rules
Some RestrictionsBrookhaven Code § 27-702
(a)The composting of landscape waste (including grass clippings, leaves, and chipped brush) and food waste (including discarded fruits, vegetables, and grains) is an allowed accessory use in residential zoning districts, subject to the regulations of this section. ... Meat products are prohibited in residential compost bins.(d)All food waste shall be placed within rodent-resistant compost bins,...
Looking for DeKalb County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Brookhaven city rules.
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