Atlanta, GA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit threshold
- 500 sq ft impervious surface or 1 acre
- Single-family threshold
- 5,000 sq ft of impervious surface
- Administering agency
- Dept. of Watershed Management
- Civil penalty
- Up to $2,500 per day
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, 60 days jail
Summary
New development or redevelopment in Atlanta needs a stormwater permit and management plan once it adds 500 square feet of impervious surface or disturbs one acre or more, under Chapter 74 of the Atlanta Code of Ordinances.
this article shall apply to all development that meets one or more of the following criteria:(1)New development that creates 500 square feet or more of any impervious surface; or(2)New development or redevelopment that involves one disturbed acre or more; or(3)Redevelopment that creates, adds, or demolishes and replaces 500 square feet or more of impervious surface; or(4)Demolition that leaves in place more than 500 square feet of impervious surface within the area of demolition...
Full Breakdown
The City of Atlanta's Department of Watershed Management administers post-development stormwater rules under Code of Ordinances Chapter 74, Article X. A permit and approved stormwater management plan are required for new development adding 500 square feet or more of impervious surface, any project disturbing one acre or more, or redevelopment that adds or replaces 500 square feet of impervious surface. Single-family residential development gets a higher 5,000-square-foot threshold before the full standards apply. Approved projects must control runoff quantity and quality using green infrastructure or other measures, and record a long-term operation and maintenance agreement for any private stormwater control installed on site.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit or violating an approved stormwater plan draws a notice of violation, stop-work order, and civil penalties up to $2,500 per day; intentional violations can bring a $1,000 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my new driveway need a stormwater permit in Atlanta?
Which Atlanta agency reviews stormwater plans?
What happens if I build in Atlanta without a stormwater permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle stormwater management.