Roswell, GA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

1 exempts several activities: home gardens and individual landscaping, single-family construction under 1 acre outside a larger common plan of development, agricultural operations, forestry management, and any project disturbing less than 5,000 square feet, unless that small project sits within a larger common plan of 1 acre or more or within 200 feet of state waters. § 12-5-23(a)(5). The Engineering Director may also require a bond of up to $3,000 per acre before issuing the permit. Every application is referred to the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District, which has 35 days to approve or disapprove the plan; if it misses that deadline, the plan is deemed approved.

Permits must issue or be denied within 45 days of a complete application. 4 gives the Engineering Director authority to inspect sites at reasonable times and requires cooperation with state and county reviewers. 5 lays out escalating penalties: a first or second violation draws a written warning with 5 days to correct before a stop-work order issues; a third violation triggers an immediate stop-work order; monetary penalties reach $2,500 per day per violation, with each day a separate offense, and posted bonds can be forfeited to fund site stabilization.

7 gives permit holders a right to a City Council hearing within 30 days of a written appeal, and, after exhausting that administrative remedy, a de novo appeal to the Superior Court of Fulton County.