Moving to 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 PM to 6:59 AM. Violations reported to Decatur Police at 404-373-6551.

Construction noise in Decatur is regulated by the general noise ordinance (Ch. 42). Construction equipment is listed among covered noise sources; work should occur within daytime hours (7 AM–10 PM) to comply with the 65 dB(A) daytime limit. City-contracted street and bridge work is exempt.

Barking dogs are covered under Decatur's general noise ordinance (Ch. 42), which lists animal noises among prohibited disturbing sounds. Animal control complaints handled through DeKalb County Animal Services (404-294-2996). Persistent barking constitutes a nuisance violation.

Decatur's adopted short-term rental ordinance requires applicants to submit proof of insurance covering operation as a short-term rental as part of the annual registration package, with the city's third-party administrator (Deckard Technologies) collecting and validating insurance documentation alongside proof of ownership and the $125 application fee.

Decatur caps overnight occupancy at two people per guest room plus two additional people per property, never exceeding ten people overnight, with up to four daytime visitors allowed but a hard ceiling of fourteen total persons (or the overnight max plus four, whichever is less) per the city's adopted short-term rental ordinance.

Decatur STR listings must disclose the maximum number of vehicles allowed on the property. Parking rules for STR guests follow standard Decatur parking ordinances (Ch. 98 Traffic and Vehicles). Street parking is regulated; guests may not block driveways or create hazardous conditions.

Short-term rental hosts in Decatur must collect and remit Georgia's hotel-motel excise tax. State law (GA Code §48-13-50+) allows localities to levy up to 8% hotel-motel tax. State also charges a $5/night lodging fee. Business license fee applies.

All short-term rental listings in Decatur must include a notification regarding the city noise ordinance (65/60 dB limits). No outdoor amplified sound other than household speakers is allowed at STR properties. Violations may lead to business license revocation.

Decatur requires a business license for all short-term rentals (rentals of 30 days or less). A local designated property manager available 24/7 is required. Owner must register via str@decaturga.com. Permitted in residential zones subject to zoning and UDO standards.

Backyard fire pits and recreational fires are generally permitted in Decatur for residential use. Fires must be contained in a non-combustible fire pit or chiminea, kept small, and attended at all times. Georgia Forestry Commission burn permit not required for recreational campfires.

Consumer fireworks (1.4G) are legal statewide under GA Code §25-10-1 (10 AM–midnight general; extended on designated holidays). However, Decatur's 65/60 dB noise ordinance effectively limits backyard fireworks use in dense residential areas. Local police enforce noise complaints.

Open burning in Georgia is regulated by GAEPD Rule 391-3-1-.02(5) and the Georgia Forestry Commission (free burn permit required). Decatur's UDO, Article 9 (Environmental Protection) also includes stormwater and environmental standards. Recreational fires in backyards generally allowed with conditions.

Street parking in Decatur is regulated under Ch. 98 of the Code of Ordinances (Traffic and Vehicles). Parking is prohibited within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in no-parking zones, blocking driveways, or within intersections. Time-limited parking applies in parts of the commercial district.

Driveways in Decatur must comply with UDO site development standards (Article 7). Curb cuts require permits. Vehicles parked in driveways must not block the public sidewalk. Impervious surface limits affect driveway expansion projects.

Parking of recreational vehicles (RVs, boats, trailers) on residential streets or in front yards in Decatur is subject to regulations under the UDO (Article 2, Residential Use Standards) and Ch. 98. Long-term street storage of RVs is generally prohibited. Rear-yard storage is the preferred location.

Commercial vehicles (including large trucks and vans with commercial markings) parked in residential areas of Decatur are subject to zoning and parking regulations. Heavy commercial vehicles are generally restricted from long-term residential street parking under GA state vehicle codes and Decatur's Ch. 98.

A building permit is required in Decatur for new fence installation. Permits are processed through the Community Core permitting system at communitycore.com. The Building and Inspections Division reviews fence permits for compliance with UDO Article 7 standards.

Fence height in Decatur is regulated by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Article 7 (Site Development). Typical limits: 4 feet maximum in front yards; 6 feet maximum in rear and side yards. Specific district standards may vary. Permits required for new fence installation.

Georgia follows the 'good neighbor' fence doctrine. No specific Decatur ordinance requires neighbor consent before installing a fence, but the fence must be placed on the installer's property. Boundary disputes are civil matters. Cost sharing for party fences is subject to mutual agreement.

Exotic animals (Class 1 wild animals) are regulated under Georgia law (GA Code §27-5-4) and are generally prohibited. Decatur's Ch. 14 (Animals) does not permit keeping wildlife or exotic animals as pets. Permits from GA DNR required for some animals in approved institutional contexts.

Decatur requires all dogs to be on a leash when off the owner's property (Ch. 14, Animals). Dogs must be under direct control at all times in public. Decatur has a dedicated off-leash dog park. DeKalb County Animal Services enforces animal control (404-294-2996).

Decatur does not maintain a breed-specific ban. Georgia's Responsible Dog Ownership Law (GA Code §4-8-20+) creates a state registry for dangerous dogs. A dog may be declared dangerous based on behavior, not breed. Homeowner insurance breed restrictions are separate from city ordinances.

Beekeeping is regulated under Decatur's Chapter 14 (Animals) and UDO. Urban beekeeping is generally permitted in Decatur subject to hive setbacks, registration with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and best management practices. Colonies must be managed to prevent swarming.

Tree removal in Decatur is strictly regulated under UDO §9.1.17. A permit is required to remove any protected tree (6+ inch DBH). Residential property owners may remove up to 3 healthy protected trees per 18-month period with a Tree Information Permit. Minimum 60% canopy coverage required for single-family lots.

Decatur's Code of Ordinances prohibits excessively high grass and weeds as a nuisance. Grass and vegetation on residential lots must be maintained at a reasonable height (typically not to exceed 12 inches). Violations are enforced by Code Enforcement through the Public Works Department.

Outdoor water use in Decatur is supplied by DeKalb County Watershed Management. Georgia Water Stewardship Act (2010) and EPD drought-level restrictions apply. During drought, outdoor watering may be restricted to specific days and hours. Check DeKalb County Watershed for current status.

Decatur has strict tree protection ordinances under UDO Article 9 (Environmental Protection), Section 9.1. Trimming of protected trees (6+ inch DBH) may require notification or a permit. Damaging a protected tree without authorization results in mandatory canopy replacement at 2x the area removed.

Customer and client traffic to a home business in Decatur must not exceed what a typical residential use would generate. No appointments generating regular client visits or deliveries that change the character of the neighborhood are permitted. Home occupation standards are enforced under UDO Art. 6.

Home occupations in Decatur are regulated under UDO Article 6 (Use Provisions), §6.2 (Allowable Uses). Home businesses are permitted as accessory uses in residential zones provided they are secondary to the residential use, involve no exterior alterations, and do not change the character of the neighborhood.

Home occupation signage in Decatur is heavily restricted under the UDO. Commercial signs advertising a home business are prohibited in residential zones except for a small identification nameplate (typically 1 square foot or less). No illuminated, freestanding, or window signs advertising a home business are allowed.

Residential swimming pools in Decatur must comply with Georgia pool barrier requirements under the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2018 Edition (adopted by Decatur). Pool must be fully enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.

Above-ground pools in Decatur deeper than 24 inches require the same 48-inch barrier fencing as in-ground pools under the ISPSC 2018. Pools on decks with locking gates or removed ladders may satisfy barrier requirements. Building permit required for pools with depths over 24 inches.

Pool safety in Decatur is governed by the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2018) and Georgia Residential Code. Pools require proper filtration, drainage, and electrical bonding. All pool electrical work must be permitted and inspected. Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act applies to drain covers.

Decatur regulates carports as accessory structures under the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), with side and rear setbacks of approximately four feet from property lines in most residential districts, height capped at the lesser of 20 feet or the principal structure, lot coverage subject to district maximums, and a building permit required from the city under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Residential Code.

ADUs are permitted in Decatur since 2012 in residential zones (R-85, R-60, R-50, RM-18, RM-22, RM-43). Max size is 800 sq ft or 40% of main home, up to 1,200 sq ft absolute maximum. Owner must occupy either the main home or ADU for at least 8 months/year. Two bedrooms maximum. 4-foot setbacks required.

Accessory structures including storage sheds in Decatur are regulated under UDO Article 7 (Site Development) and Article 2 (Residential Use Standards). Sheds must meet setback requirements (typically 5 feet from rear and side lot lines) and are limited in height and footprint relative to the main dwelling.

Garage conversions to living space in Decatur require a building permit and must meet UDO residential standards. Converting to an ADU is permitted subject to ADU rules. Converted garages must comply with building codes for insulation, egress, and fire separation. Loss of required parking spaces must be addressed.

Decatur participates in the NFIP. Flood-prone areas are mapped on FEMA FIRM panels. Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone AE) requires a floodplain development permit. Lowest floor must be at or above Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Contact Decatur Public Works for floodplain determinations.

Decatur enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.