Fulton County, GA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 14-3, Code of Ordinances
- Trigger slope
- Greater than 33% grade
- 40%+ slopes
- Barred without BZA variance
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Fulton County only
- Penalty
- $1,000 per day
Summary
Unincorporated Fulton County requires a land disturbance permit before any grading or development on steep slopes, with stricter limits as slope percentage increases under the county's Steep Slopes Protection and Grading Ordinance.
The purpose of this section is to recognize and require adherence to county regulations and guidelines that govern the development of land that contains steep slopes within unincorporated Fulton County, Georgia. ... No land disturbance permit will be issued by the department without it being determined that the proposed development is in compliance with the provisions of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 57).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 14-3, the Fulton County Steep Slopes Protection and Grading Ordinance, governs land disturbance permits for property in unincorporated Fulton County containing slopes over 33 percent. The Department of Environment and Community Development won't issue a land disturbance permit unless the proposed development complies with the steep-slope rules: on 33-40% slopes an engineer- or landscape-architect-sealed plan is required, and land disturbance on 40%+ slopes is barred outright unless the Board of Zoning Appeals grants a variance. Violations draw a $1,000-per-day fine until the land is restored.
Violations & Fines
Grading or disturbing a steep slope without the required permit or plan draws a $1,000-per-day fine until the site is replanted to county buffer or arborist-set standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to grade a steep lot in unincorporated Fulton County?
Can I disturb a slope steeper than 40 percent?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
Compare Fulton County to another location·View the Georgia environmental rules overview
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