5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
ADUs in unincorporated DeKalb County are permitted in residential single-family districts under Zoning Ordinance §4.2.3. Min. lot size: 10,000 sq ft. Max ADU size: 900 sq ft. Max height under 24 feet. Owner must occupy either the main home or ADU and have a homestead exemption. ADU appearance must match main residence.
Storage sheds in unincorporated DeKalb County are regulated under Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27) as accessory structures. Sheds must meet setback requirements, be placed in rear or side yards, and comply with lot coverage limits. Building permits required for sheds over 144 sq ft from Building Inspection (404-371-3026).
Garage conversions to habitable space or an ADU in unincorporated DeKalb County require a building permit (404-371-3026). Must comply with Georgia Residential Code (IRC) for insulation, egress, HVAC, and electrical. ADU rules (§4.2.3) apply if creating a separate unit including owner-occupancy requirement.
DeKalb County requires building permits for carport construction. Accessory structure setbacks apply under Zoning Code Chapter 27. Prefab metal carports subject to same permit requirements as built-in-place.
DeKalb County treats foundation tiny homes as dwellings subject to zoning minimum square footage. Tiny homes on wheels classified as RVs — prohibited as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Limited ADU pathway.
4 cities in DeKalb County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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DeKalb County Ordinance Hub →