Accessory Structures in DeKalb County, GA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

ADU Rules

Unincorporated DeKalb allows attached, detached or converted accessory dwelling units by right on lots of at least 10,000 square feet, capped at 900 square feet and 24 feet tall.

DeKalb County ADU Zoning Standards

Some Restrictions

DeKalb County Code of Ordinances § 4.2.3(C)(1), (C)(7), (C)(10)

Attached and detached accessory dwelling units are permitted by right, subject to the following:1.The minimum lot size shall be ten-thousand (10,000) square feet.2.The accessory dwelling unit shall conform to applicable standards of the state and county building codes for residential units as principal uses.3.The property owner, who shall include titleholders and contract purchasers, must occup...

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ADU Owner Occupancy

In unincorporated DeKalb County, the property owner must live in either the main house or the accessory dwelling unit and hold a homestead exemption before an ADU is allowed.

DeKalb County ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule

Some Restrictions

DeKalb County Code of Ordinances § 4.2.3(C)(3)

The property owner, who shall include titleholders and contract purchasers, must occupy either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit as their residence, and possess a homestead exemption.4.The appearance of the accessory dwelling unit shall be similar to that of the principal residence.5.Only one (1) accessory dwelling unit of any type shall be permitted on a lot.6.Prior to...

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Shed & Carport Rules

In unincorporated DeKalb County, a shed or accessory building maxes out at 900 square feet on lots under an acre, must sit at least 10 feet off the rear line, and can't top 24 feet in height.

DeKalb County Shed and Accessory Building Rules

Some Restrictions

DeKalb County Code of Ordinances § 4.2.2(C)(3), (I), (J)

Accessory buildings or structures shall meet the minimum side yard setback for the district or ten (10) feet, whichever is less, and shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet to a rear lot line in any district. ...an accessory structure shall be limited to the lesser of twenty-four (24) feet in height or the height of the principal structure... The floor area of an accessory building(s) th...

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