Stormwater Management: Atlanta vs Roswell
How do stormwater management rules compare between Atlanta, GA and Roswell, GA?
Atlanta and Roswell have similar restriction levels.
Atlanta, GA
Fulton County
Atlanta Code Chapter 74 Article X (the Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance, adopted 2013) requires every new development and redevelopment to manage the first 1.0 inch of runoff on-site and execute an inspection and maintenance agreement under Sec. 74-517.
View full Atlanta rules →Roswell, GA
Fulton County
Roswell is the Local Issuing Authority for the State NPDES Construction General Permit and enforces a Soil Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution Control Ordinance. Projects disturbing more than 5,000 sq ft require the current GASWCC checklist on plans plus phased erosion-control plans (initial, intermediate, final).
View full Roswell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Atlanta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Atlanta Code Ch. 74 Art. X | - |
| Inspection Section | Sec. 74-517 | - |
| Water Quality Standard | First 1.0 inch on-site | - |
| Adopted | 2013 | - |
| Enforcing Agency | Dept. of Watershed Management | - |
| LIA Authority | - | Roswell Engineering |
| Threshold | - | 5,000 sq ft disturbed |
| Plan Stages | - | Initial, intermediate, final |
| State Permit | - | NPDES Construction General Permit |
| Max Penalty | - | $2,500/day per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Atlanta FAQ
Who must inspect stormwater BMPs in Atlanta?
Property owners must arrange annual inspections under the Sec. 74-517 Inspection and Maintenance Agreement; Watershed Management audits compliance.
Does the rule apply to single-family homes?
Yes, Atlanta's Post-Development Stormwater Ordinance applies to nearly all new development and redevelopment, including single-family residential.
What is the water quality treatment standard?
Sites must manage the first 1.0 inch of rainfall on-site using green infrastructure under Chapter 74 Article X.
Roswell FAQ
Do I need a stormwater plan for my home addition in Roswell?
If your project disturbs more than 5,000 square feet of soil you need a Land Disturbance Permit and phased ES&PC plans. Most single-family additions stay below this threshold but driveways, pools, and grading work can push you over.
Who enforces stormwater rules in Roswell?
Roswell Engineering is the Local Issuing Authority for the state NPDES construction permit and enforces both state and local erosion-control rules.
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