DeKalb County Watershed Management enforces stormwater rules under the county's MS4 NPDES permit. New development must manage runoff on site; stream buffers and watershed overlays apply countywide.
DeKalb County operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) NPDES permit administered by Georgia EPD. The county's Stormwater Management Ordinance (Code Ch. 14, Art. III) requires post-construction stormwater controls for new development and redevelopment exceeding defined disturbance thresholds. Low-Impact Development practices (bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavers, cisterns) are encouraged and may earn design credits. The Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book) is the technical reference. DeKalb Watershed Management is the local agency; the county is under a Consent Decree with U.S. EPA/GA EPD related to sanitary sewer overflows, with major ongoing sewer system investments. Illicit discharges to storm drains (paint, oil, grass clippings) are prohibited.
Failure to implement stormwater plan: stop-work order and fines $500 to $25,000. Illicit discharge: $1,000 to $25,000 per day under Georgia Water Quality Control Act. Maintenance failures: escalating fines.
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 stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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