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.
DeKalb County, GA
Construction noise in unincorporated DeKalb County is regulated under Ch. 16, Art. VII, §16-304. Construction and demolition activities (pile drivers, pneuma...
DeKalb County, GA
DeKalb County noise ordinance §16-304 specifically limits animal vocalizations in residential areas: pets may not vocalize continuously for more than 15 minu...
DeKalb County, GA
DeKalb County noise ordinance (Ch. 16, Art. VII) applies to unincorporated areas. Quiet hours: 11:00 PM–7:00 AM in residential areas — it is unlawful to crea...
DeKalb County, GA
Dekalb County regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable dis...
DeKalb County, GA
Recreational vehicles and trailers in residential zones of unincorporated DeKalb County are subject to zoning ordinance (Ch. 27) standards. Long-term RV stor...
DeKalb County, GA
Street parking in unincorporated DeKalb County follows Georgia vehicle code and county ordinances. No parking within 15 feet of fire hydrants, no blocking dr...
See how DeKalb County'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.