Grading & Drainage: Lawrenceville vs Snellville
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Lawrenceville, GA and Snellville, GA?
Lawrenceville and Snellville have similar restriction levels.
Lawrenceville, GA
Gwinnett County
Grading and drainage reviewed through Lawrenceville Planning & Development. Disturbances over 5,000 sq ft require a grading plan; changes to drainage cannot increase runoff to neighbors.
View full Lawrenceville rules →Snellville, GA
Gwinnett County
Grading permits required for land disturbance per Chapter 36. Must not divert stormwater onto adjacent properties. Follows GA Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book).
View full Snellville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lawrenceville | Snellville |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Trigger | 5,000 sq ft | - |
| Runoff Standard | No net increase | - |
| Detention | Commercial required | - |
| Slope | 6 in/10 ft from foundation | - |
| Permit | - | Required before earthwork |
| Manual | - | GSMM Blue Book |
| Runoff | - | No net increase |
| Diversion | - | Onto neighbors prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lawrenceville FAQ
Can my neighbor change their yard grading and drain onto my lot?
No. Lawrenceville prohibits altering drainage to send additional runoff onto adjacent property. Report concerns to Planning & Development.
When do I need a grading plan in Lawrenceville?
Any land disturbance over 5,000 sq ft triggers a grading plan requirement through Planning & Development.
How should my yard slope away from my house?
Per IRC, maintain at least 6 inches of positive drainage in the first 10 feet away from your foundation.
Snellville FAQ
Can my neighbor regrade and flood my yard?
No. Georgia follows modified common enemy rule - you cannot collect and discharge water onto a neighbor. File complaint with Planning & Development or pursue civil nuisance claim.
Do I need a grading permit for my Snellville backyard project?
Yes for any significant land disturbance. Snellville Land Development Code requires site plan review before earthwork that changes drainage patterns.
What standards does Snellville use for stormwater on new construction?
The Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book). Post-development runoff cannot exceed pre-development rates for 1-, 25-, and 100-year storms.
Compare other topics
See how Lawrenceville and Snellville compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool