Johns Creek, GA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Triggers permit
- 5,000 sq ft new impervious cover
- Single-family threshold
- 1,000 sq ft of impervious surface
- Runoff standard
- retain first 1 inch of rain
- Design manual
- Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (GSMM)
- Max civil fine
- $1,000 per day
Summary
Johns Creek requires a stormwater management permit and GSMM-compliant runoff controls for new development or redevelopment creating 5,000 square feet or more of impervious cover (1,000 sq ft on single-family lots), enforced by community development.
New development, except those on existing single-family residential lots, that involves the creation of 5,000 square feet or more of impervious cover, or that involves other land development activities of 5,000 square feet or more. New development, including those on single-family residential lots, that involves the creation of 1,000 square feet or more of impervious surface shall meet runoff reduction requirements.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Johns Creek Code §§ 109-79 through 109-82 require a land development permit with an approved stormwater management plan for new development or redevelopment that creates 5,000 square feet or more of impervious cover (1,000 square feet on single-family lots triggers runoff-reduction requirements). Plans must follow the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual and retain the first inch of rainfall on-site to the maximum extent practicable, control the 1-year storm for channel protection, hold the post-development peak discharge for the 25-year storm to pre-development rates, and prevent flooding from the 100-year storm. The community development department reviews and inspects compliance.
Violations & Fines
Building without an approved stormwater management plan, or violating one, is treated as a land disturbance/building permit violation under § 109-85: drawing a stop-work order, withheld certificate of occupancy, permit revocation, and civil fines up to $1,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers a stormwater permit in Johns Creek?
What runoff standard must Johns Creek developments meet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Johns Creek
Compare Johns Creek to another location·View the Georgia environmental rules overview
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle stormwater management.