Landscaping Rules in Rockdale County, GA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Rockdale County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing trees ahead of development in unincorporated Rockdale County requires an approved landscape and tree protection and replacement plan under County Code Section 328-18 before the county will issue a land disturbance or building permit. Small exemptions cover single-family and duplex subdivisions of four lots or fewer, additions to an existing home, and removal of diseased or hazardous trees confirmed by a certified arborist.
Tree Removal Permits in Rockdale County
Significant RestrictionsRockdale County Code §§ 328-17, 328-18
The following activities are specifically exempted from this article:(1)The construction of single-family detached and duplex dwellings in subdivisions of no more than four lots. ... All applications for a land disturbance permit or a building permit pursuant to chapter 302, article 5, shall require submission and approval of a tree protection and replacement plan as defined in this article. .....
Weed Ordinances
Rockdale County Code § 78-13 bans letting uncut grass or weeds exceed ten inches, or become a nuisance, health hazard or unsightly, on any lot in the unincorporated county. A noncompliant owner gets eight days' written notice before facing a citation and county abatement with the cost placed as a lien on the property.
Weed and Grass Height Limit in Rockdale County
Some RestrictionsRockdale County Code § 78-13
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to maintain, cause or permit the accumulation of litter or uncut grass or weeds on any parcel, tract or lot of real property under such circumstances that the litter or uncut grass or weeds exceeds a height of ten inches or becomes a nuisance or health hazard, or where such is unreasonably unsightly. ... (c)If the property title owner or occupant shall fai...
Water Restrictions
During a declared water shortage, Rockdale County Code § 98-40 lets the water director impose demand management measures on lawn watering, car washing and pool filling once the Board of Commissioners ratifies them. Violators face up to a $1,000 fine, though a first offense gets only a written warning.
Outdoor Watering Restrictions in Rockdale County
Some RestrictionsRockdale County Code § 98-40
Sec. 98-40. - Procedures during periods of water shortage and drought.(a)In order to maintain adequate pressure and supply for customers of the water system, the director may implement demand management measures consistent with demand management measures implemented by either the State of Georgia, Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, the Atlanta Regional Commissio...
Composting
Rockdale County does not require residents to compost. Code § 78-14(b)(4) lists composting, mowing high and letting clippings lie, brush piles and on-site chipping as acceptable ways to handle yard trimmings, but owners who cannot use them may simply have trimmings collected and hauled away instead.
Composting Rules for Yard Waste in Rockdale County
Few RestrictionsRockdale County Code § 78-14(b)(4)
Composting means the controlled biological decomposition of organic matter into a stable, odor-free humus. ... (4)Yard trimmings shall be sorted and stockpiled or chipped, composted, used as mulch, or otherwise beneficially reused or recycled to the maximum extent feasible. The following practices are specifically considered to be acceptable and meet the intent of this requirement:a.Naturalized...
All Rockdale County ordinances
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