DeKalb County requires land disturbance and grading permits for earth movement over thresholds set in the Land Development Ordinance. Drainage must not be redirected to adjacent properties.
DeKalb County grading and drainage are controlled by the Land Development Ordinance and the International Residential Code (as adopted by Georgia). A Land Disturbance Permit is required for grading activities over 1 acre (state threshold) or smaller projects under county thresholds, typically when grading exceeds 100 cubic yards or involves slope alterations. Site drainage must be engineered to direct runoff away from buildings and not cause damage to adjacent properties — a common neighbor dispute in DeKalb's hilly north-side terrain. Retaining walls over 4 feet in exposed height require sealed engineering drawings. Compaction testing is required for structural fill. Final as-built grading must match approved plans for certificate of occupancy.
Unpermitted grading: stop-work order plus fines $500 to $2,500. Redirecting drainage onto neighbors: corrective order and potential civil liability. Slope failures: remediation at owner expense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Decatur, GA
Barking dogs are covered under Decatur's general noise ordinance (Ch. 42), which lists animal noises among prohibited disturbing sounds. Animal control compl...
Decatur, GA
Construction noise in Decatur is regulated by the general noise ordinance (Ch. 42). Construction equipment is listed among covered noise sources; work should...
Decatur, GA
Decatur updated its noise ordinance effective July 1, 2025 (adopted March 3, 2025). Decibel limits: 65 dB(A) from 7:00 AM to 9:59 PM, and 60 dB(A) from 10:00...
Decatur, GA
Commercial vehicles (including large trucks and vans with commercial markings) parked in residential areas of Decatur are subject to zoning and parking regul...
Decatur, GA
Parking of recreational vehicles (RVs, boats, trailers) on residential streets or in front yards in Decatur is subject to regulations under the UDO (Article ...
Decatur, GA
Driveways in Decatur must comply with UDO site development standards (Article 7). Curb cuts require permits. Vehicles parked in driveways must not block the ...
See how Decatur's grading & drainage rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.