Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Moving to Snellville, GA?

Here are the local rules you need to know before you unpack.

Every city has its own set of local ordinances that go beyond state and federal law. From when you can mow your lawn to whether you can park your RV in the driveway, these rules affect daily life in ways most people do not expect. This guide covers the key ordinances in Snellville across 25 categories and 105 specific rules we track.

23 Permissive58 Moderate24 Strict

๐Ÿ”Š Noise Ordinances

Noise rules affect everything from weekend parties to lawn care schedules. Quiet hours, construction restrictions, and barking dog limits vary widely between cities.

Industrial Noise

Some Restrictions

Industrial/commercial noise regulated through zoning buffer requirements and GAEPD permit conditions. Snellville zoning separates industrial uses from residential via buffers.

State Regulator: GAEPDZoning Buffers: Required between industrial/residential

Leaf Blower Rules

Few Restrictions

Snellville has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Gas and electric leaf blowers are both legal. Use is governed only by the general noise ordinance, which limits loud equipment during residential quiet hours (typically 11 PM to 7 AM). HOA rules may impose tighter windows.

Specific Rule: None in city codeGas Blowers: Legal

Barking Dogs

Some Restrictions

Persistent barking disturbing neighbors violates Snellville's noise ordinance and Gwinnett County animal control rules. Continuous barking for 10+ minutes or intermittent 30+ minutes typically triggers violation.

Threshold: 10+ min continuousEnforcement: Gwinnett Animal Welfare

Quiet Hours

Some Restrictions

Snellville Code of Ordinances Chapter 46 (Offenses) restricts loud/unreasonable noise audible at property lines, generally 11 PM-7 AM. O.C.G.A. ยง16-11-39 disorderly conduct is the state backstop.

Quiet Hours: 11 PM-7 AM typicalStandard: Plainly audible at property line

Amplified Music & Events

Some Restrictions

Amplified music plainly audible at property lines or beyond 100 feet prohibited, especially during quiet hours (11 PM-7 AM). Commercial establishments along Hwy 78 subject to additional permit conditions.

Residential: Audible at property line = violationQuiet Hours: 11 PM-7 AM strict

Construction Hours

Some Restrictions

Construction noise generally restricted to 7 AM-9 PM weekdays and 8 AM-9 PM weekends/holidays per typical metro Atlanta standard. Gwinnett County construction noise rules apply in coordination.

Weekdays: 7 AM-9 PM typicalWeekends: 8 AM-9 PM typical

๐Ÿ  Short-Term Rentals

If you plan to rent out your home on Airbnb or VRBO - even occasionally - you need to know the local STR rules before listing.

Insurance Requirements

Few Restrictions

Snellville does not mandate STR liability insurance. Hosts should confirm their homeowner policy permits short-term rental activity or obtain a commercial/STR-specific rider. Airbnb AirCover and VRBO Liability Insurance provide platform-level coverage up to $1 million per booking.

City Requirement: NoneHomeowner Policy: Verify STR coverage

Occupancy Limits

Some Restrictions

Snellville has no STR-specific occupancy cap. The International Property Maintenance Code, adopted via Georgia's State Minimum Standard Codes, governs - generally 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants, subject to minimum square footage per person and fire-code egress requirements.

Standard: IPMC: 2 per bedroom + 2Snellville Cap: None specific

Parking Rules

Some Restrictions

Short-term rental guests in Snellville must park on the driveway or legal on-street spaces only. Parking on grass, lawns, or unpaved front yards is prohibited by the property maintenance code. RVs and trailers cannot be stored overnight on the street, and street parking may be limited on narrower residential roads.

Grass Parking: ProhibitedDriveway: Improved surface required

Registration Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Snellville Ord. 2019-15 (Sept 2019) requires a separate Snellville business license for each short-term rental (rentals of 30 consecutive nights or less). Application fee $250 new / $100 renewal, filed with the Planning Department, and a Gwinnett County hotel/motel occupancy tax certificate is required before listing.

Ordinance: Ord. 2019-15 (Sept 2019)STR Definition: Rented 30 consecutive nights or less

Night Caps

Few Restrictions

Snellville's short-term rental ordinance (Ord. 2019-15) does not impose an annual cap on the total nights a property may be rented, and Georgia has no statewide STR night cap. The only nightly limit is the per-stay definition: an STR is a dwelling rented for 30 consecutive nights or less.

Annual Night Cap: None in Snellville ordinancePer-Stay Limit: 30 consecutive nights or less

Taxes & Fees

Some Restrictions

Stays under 90 days subject to: 4% GA state sales tax + Gwinnett County local option sales taxes + hotel-motel excise tax. $5/night state hotel fee (O.C.G.A. ยง48-13-50.3) also applies.

State Sales Tax: 4%State Hotel Fee: $5/night

Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Snellville requires an occupation tax certificate (business license) for rental operations. Check with City Hall (770-985-3500) before listing on Airbnb/VRBO. No dedicated STR ordinance as of 2025 - zoning compliance required.

Business License: RequiredDedicated STR Ordinance: None

Noise Rules

Heavy Restrictions

STR guests in Snellville must comply with the city noise ordinance. Hosts are liable for guest disturbances. Residential quiet hours of 11 PM to 7 AM are enforced by Gwinnett County Police. Repeat noise complaints can jeopardize a host's occupation tax certificate and business standing.

Quiet Hours: 11 PM-7 AMHost Liability: Yes, for guest conduct

๐Ÿ”ฅ Fire Regulations

Fire pit rules, fireworks restrictions, and brush clearance requirements are especially important if you are coming from a state with different fire risk profiles.

Outdoor Burning

Heavy Restrictions

Open burning banned May 1-Sept 30 under GAEPD Rule 391-3-1-.02(5) โ€” Snellville is in the 54-county Atlanta metro ozone nonattainment area. Year-round burn permit required from GA Forestry Commission.

Summer Ban: May 1-Sept 30Permit: GA Forestry Commission (free)

Smoke Detectors

Heavy Restrictions

Snellville does not have a city-specific smoke detector ordinance. O.C.G.A. 25-2-40 governs: every dwelling, apartment, condo, townhouse, motel, hotel, and dormitory must have an approved smoke detector centrally located in the corridor giving access to sleeping rooms, on every story (including cellars/basements but not uninhabitable attics). Gwinnett County Fire Marshal enforces.

Governing Law: O.C.G.A. 25-2-40 (state-level)Local Ordinance: None specific in Snellville

Brush Clearance

Few Restrictions

No defensible-space ordinance โ€” Snellville is suburban, not in a wildfire zone. Property maintenance code requires removal of dead/diseased trees posing hazard and weeds over typical height limit.

Defensible Space: Not requiredHazard Trees: Must be removed

Wildfire Zones

Few Restrictions

Snellville is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. Fully developed suburban area with public water supply, paved roads, and minimal wildland-urban interface.

WUI Designation: Not applicableWildfire Risk: Low

Fire Pit Rules

Some Restrictions

Recreational fires in approved fire pits allowed year-round when fuel is clean wood (not yard debris). Fire pit must be 25 ft from structures per IFC 307.4. Summer burn ban does not apply to contained cooking/recreational fires.

Distance: 25 ft from structuresPortable Fireplace: 15 ft from structures

Fireworks

Some Restrictions

Consumer fireworks legal under GA HB 110 (2015), allowed 10 AM-9 PM daily, until midnight on July 3-4, Dec 31, Jan 1. Local restrictions enforced through nuisance and noise provisions.

State Law: GA HB 110 (2015)Hours: 10 AM-9 PM daily

๐Ÿš— Parking Rules

Parking rules catch more new residents off guard than almost any other ordinance. RV storage, overnight parking bans, and driveway regulations vary significantly.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Heavy Restrictions

Commercial vehicles over 3/4 ton or with commercial signage/equipment (dump trucks, box trucks, tractor-trailers) prohibited overnight in residential zones. Contractor pickups/vans under weight limit typically allowed.

Weight Threshold: 3/4 ton GVWR typicalTractor-Trailers: Prohibited

Driveway Rules

Some Restrictions

Driveways must be paved (concrete, asphalt, or pavers) in residential zones. Curb cuts require city engineering approval. Parking on front lawns prohibited.

Surface: Concrete/asphalt/paversGravel: Generally not allowed

Street Parking Limits

Some Restrictions

On-street parking permitted where not prohibited by signage. Vehicles cannot block driveways, fire hydrants (15 ft), mailboxes, or intersections (20 ft). Parking against traffic flow prohibited per GA Code ยง40-6-201.

Authority: GA Code ยง40-6-200+Hydrant Distance: 15 ft minimum

Abandoned Vehicles

Some Restrictions

Abandoned vehicles regulated under GA Code ยง40-11-1+ (10 days on public property). Snellville Code Enforcement addresses inoperable vehicles on residential properties.

State Law: GA ยง40-11-1+ (10 days)Enforcement: Code Enforcement

EV Charging

Few Restrictions

No local EV charging mandate. Georgia has no statewide EV-ready building code requirement. Homeowners may install Level 2 chargers with standard electrical permit from Snellville.

EV-Ready Code: Not requiredHome Charger: Electrical permit needed

Overnight Parking

Some Restrictions

Overnight on-street parking generally allowed in Snellville residential neighborhoods unless signage prohibits. Vehicles parked on public streets for 72+ hours without moving may be tagged as abandoned under GA Code ยง40-11-1+.

City Ban: None citywideAbandoned Tag: 72 hours+

RV & Boat Parking

Heavy Restrictions

RVs, boats, and trailers generally prohibited in front yards in residential zones. Must be stored in rear/side yard behind setback line, often screened. Temporary loading allowed 24-72 hours.

Front Yard: Prohibited (storage)Allowed Location: Rear/side yard

๐Ÿงฑ Fence Regulations

Planning to put up a fence? Height limits, material restrictions, and permit requirements differ by city - and sometimes by which side of the property the fence sits on.

Material Restrictions

Heavy Restrictions

Barbed wire, razor wire, electrified fencing, and chain link topped with barbs are prohibited in residential zones. Temporary construction fencing excepted. HOA covenants often restrict further (banning chain link entirely, requiring approved colors).

Barbed Wire: Banned residentialElectrified: Banned residential

Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Typical Snellville residential fence limits: 4 ft in front yards, 6 ft in side/rear yards. Corner lots have sight-triangle restrictions at intersections. Taller fences require zoning variance.

Front Yard: 4 ft max typicalSide/Rear: 6 ft max typical

Neighbor Fence Rules

Some Restrictions

Georgia has no statewide spite fence law. Boundary fence disputes are a common-law nuisance matter. Property owner is responsible for fence on their side of the property line; shared boundary fences require mutual agreement.

Spite Fence: No GA statuteProperty Line: Build on your side

Pool Barriers

Heavy Restrictions

Pool barrier required by GA Residential Code (IRC Appendix G): minimum 48 inches tall, self-closing self-latching gate opening outward, no gaps >4 inches. Applies to all residential pools >24 in deep.

Height: 48 inches minimumGate: Self-closing, self-latching

Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Fence permit required in Snellville for most residential fences. Apply through community development department. Fence must comply with height, materials, and setback standards; HOA approval may also be required.

Permit: RequiredDepartment: Community Development

Retaining Walls

Some Restrictions

Retaining walls over 4 feet high (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) or supporting a surcharge require engineered design and building permit. Walls under 4 ft with no surcharge may not need permit.

Permit Threshold: Over 4 ftWith Surcharge: Engineering required

๐Ÿ” Animal Ordinances

Pet owners and aspiring chicken keepers should check local animal ordinances before signing a lease or closing on a home.

Beekeeping

Some Restrictions

Beekeeping allowed in Snellville residential zones under state law. GA Department of Agriculture registration required. No specific hive-count cap in city code; zoning setbacks apply.

Allowed: Yes, residential zonesState Registration: GA Dept of Agriculture

Exotic Pets

Heavy Restrictions

Exotic animals regulated under GA ยง27-5-4 โ€” most large cats, primates, venomous reptiles, and wolves prohibited without DNR permit. Snellville follows state wild animal list.

Authority: GA DNR ยง27-5-4Prohibited: Class 1 without permit

Wildlife Feeding

Some Restrictions

No specific Snellville ordinance banning wildlife feeding, but nuisance rules apply if feeding attracts rats, raccoons, or coyotes. GA DNR discourages deer feeding (chronic wasting disease risk).

Bird Feeders: AllowedDeer Feeding: Discouraged by DNR

Breed Restrictions

Few Restrictions

GA ยง4-8-30 preempts all local breed-specific legislation. Snellville cannot ban or restrict dogs by breed. Dangerous dog laws apply based on individual behavior.

Breed Bans: Prohibited by GA ยง4-8-30Dangerous Dog: Behavior-based, GA ยง4-8-20+

Chickens & Livestock

Heavy Restrictions

Snellville city limits zoned residential; chickens and livestock generally prohibited in standard R-zones. Agricultural uses require specific zoning district or large-lot exception.

Chickens: Generally prohibited in R-zonesLivestock: Prohibited in residential

Dog Leash Laws

Some Restrictions

Snellville requires dogs under physical restraint (leash or enclosure) off owner's property. Violations handled by Gwinnett County Animal Welfare & Enforcement under county ordinance.

Enforcement: Gwinnett County Animal WelfareRequirement: Leash or enclosure off property

๐ŸŒฟ Landscaping Rules

From grass height limits to tree removal permits, landscaping rules can surprise new homeowners, especially in drought-prone areas with water restrictions.

Tree Trimming

Some Restrictions

Property owners responsible for trimming trees overhanging streets and sidewalks. Utility clearance by Georgia Power / Jackson EMC. Neighbor tree trimming follows common-law self-help to property line.

Street Clearance: 14 ft over roadwaySidewalk Clearance: 8 ft

Artificial Turf

Few Restrictions

Artificial turf allowed in Snellville residential yards. No specific prohibition in city code. HOA covenants may restrict; front-yard use sometimes regulated by HOA aesthetic rules.

Allowed: Yes, no city banHOA: Often restricts front yards

Grass Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Snellville limits grass and weeds to 12 inches maximum on improved residential lots. Notice issued, then city may cut and lien property at owner's expense.

Max Height: 12 inchesNotice Period: 7-10 days typical

Native Plants

Few Restrictions

Snellville does not prohibit native plant landscaping or 'no-mow' meadows in lieu of lawns, but the 12-inch grass/weed height rule still applies. Native landscape plans can exempt specific areas if maintained.

Native Plants: EncouragedMeadows: Subject to 12-inch rule

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Some Restrictions

Snellville has a tree preservation ordinance protecting trees by DBH (diameter at breast height). Removal of regulated trees requires permit from city; replacement or mitigation typically required.

Regulated: Above DBH thresholdsPermit: Required for removal

Water Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Year-round 4 PMโ€“10 AM outdoor watering rule per GA Rule 391-3-30 (Water Stewardship Act). Snellville water served by Gwinnett County DWR. Drought restrictions add further limits.

Rule: GA 391-3-30, 4 PM-10 AM onlyWater Provider: Gwinnett County DWR

Weed Ordinances

Some Restrictions

Same 12-inch limit as grass height applies to weeds. Noxious weeds and kudzu on developed property subject to nuisance abatement. Code Enforcement issues notice before city cuts and liens.

Max Height: 12 inchesUndeveloped: Exempt

Rainwater Harvesting

Few Restrictions

Rainwater harvesting legal in Georgia under the Water Stewardship Act. Snellville does not prohibit rain barrels or cisterns. GA Plumbing Code governs potable use connections.

Legal: Yes, statewideRain Barrels: No permit required

๐Ÿ’ผ Home Business

Working from home is common, but running a business from home often requires permits and must comply with zoning restrictions on customer traffic and signage.

Home Daycare

Some Restrictions

Family daycare homes licensed by GA DECAL (Bright from the Start). State law preempts most local daycare licensing. Snellville requires zoning compliance and occupation tax certificate.

State License: GA DECAL requiredFamily Home: 3-6 children, home occupation

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Heavy Restrictions

Home occupations in Snellville may not generate customer or client traffic that exceeds normal residential activity. No regular in-person customer visits.

Customer Visits: Prohibited or severely limitedDeliveries: Standard parcel carriers only

Cottage Food Operations

Some Restrictions

Cottage food operations legal under Georgia Cottage Food License issued by GA Dept of Agriculture. Home kitchen inspection required. Snellville does not add local restrictions beyond state rules.

State License: GDA Cottage Food, ~$100/yrAllowed Foods: Baked goods, jams, candies, dry mixes

Signage Rules

Heavy Restrictions

No signage advertising a home occupation is permitted on residential property in Snellville. The home business must not be visible from the street.

Exterior Signs: Prohibited for home occupationsWindow Displays: Not permitted

Zoning Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Home occupations permitted in all Snellville residential districts (R-100, R-75, RM) as accessory use. Must be clearly secondary to residential use, conducted entirely within the dwelling, and cause no external evidence of the business.

Districts: All residential (R-100, R-75, RM)Area Limit: 25% of dwelling floor area

๐ŸŠ Swimming Pools & Spas

Pool ownership comes with safety fencing requirements, permit obligations, and drainage rules that vary by jurisdiction.

๐Ÿ—๏ธ Accessory Structures

Thinking about an ADU, shed, or garage conversion? Local rules on accessory structures have changed rapidly in recent years, especially in California.

ADU Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Accessory dwelling units are not broadly permitted in Snellville's single-family zones (R-100, R-75). GA has no ADU mandate. Second kitchens or in-law suites allowed only as attached additions meeting single-family standards.

Detached ADUs: Not permitted in R-100/R-75In-law Suites: Attached only, shared utilities

Tiny Homes

Heavy Restrictions

Tiny homes on foundations must meet the GA Residential Code and Snellville minimum dwelling size standards. Tiny homes on wheels (RVs/park models) not permitted as permanent residences in Snellville.

On Foundation: Must meet district minimum sizeOn Wheels: Not permitted as residence

Garage Conversions

Heavy Restrictions

Garage conversions in Snellville require a building permit and must maintain required off-street parking. Converting to a separate living unit is not permitted in single-family districts.

Permit: Building, electrical, HVAC requiredParking Replacement: 2 off-street spaces required

Carport Rules

Some Restrictions

Carports in Snellville require a building permit and must meet accessory structure setbacks. Typically attached carports follow principal structure setbacks; detached carports follow accessory setbacks.

Permit: Required for all carportsAttached Setback: Matches primary structure

Shed Rules

Some Restrictions

Sheds 200 sq ft or larger require a Snellville building permit. All sheds must meet accessory structure setbacks: typically 5 feet from side and rear property lines, behind the rear building line.

Permit Threshold: 200 sq ft or largerSetback: 5 ft side/rear typical

๐ŸŒ Environmental Rules

๐ŸŒฑ Cannabis Regulations

โ˜€๏ธ Solar Energy

๐Ÿชง Sign Regulations

๐Ÿš๏ธ Property Maintenance

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Few Restrictions

Snellville does not require property owners to clear snow or ice from adjacent sidewalks. Metro Atlanta snow events are rare (1-2 days per year on average). Georgia has no statewide sidewalk clearing duty, and state highways are cleared by GDOT while county roads are handled by Gwinnett DOT.

Snow Clearing Mandate: NoneSnowfall Frequency: 1-2 days/year average

Garage Sale Rules

Few Restrictions

Snellville typically permits 2-4 garage sales per residence per year, lasting 2-3 consecutive days each. Signs may be posted only on the property holding the sale - off-premises signs on poles/rights-of-way prohibited.

Frequency: 2-4 per year typicalDuration: 2-3 consecutive days

Property Blight

Some Restrictions

Snellville enforces International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) via code enforcement. Derelict structures, overgrown lots, and accumulated junk violate property maintenance standards. Complaints filed via City Hall.

Code Basis: IPMC adoptedCure Period: 10-30 days typical

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Some Restrictions

Vacant lots subject to weed/grass height ordinance (typically 12 inches max) and nuisance provisions. Owners responsible for keeping lots clear of litter, junk, and overgrowth.

Grass Height: 12 inches typical maxAbatement: City mows, bills owner

Trash Bin Storage

Some Restrictions

Residential solid waste service via Gwinnett County's franchised hauler system. Bins must be stored out of front-yard view except on collection day (typically 24 hours before/after pickup).

Service: Gwinnett County franchisedBin Storage: Out of front-yard view

๐Ÿ’ก Outdoor Lighting

๐Ÿ”‘ Rental Property Rules

๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Trash & Recycling

๐Ÿš Drone Rules

๐Ÿ” Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

๐Ÿšช Soliciting & Door-to-Door

๐ŸŒ™ Curfew Laws

๐Ÿ“ Building Setbacks & Zoning

๐ŸŒณ Tree Protection

๐Ÿท๏ธ Garage & Yard Sales

Overall: What to Expect in Snellville

Snellville has 105 ordinances on file across 25 categories. Of these, 23 are rated permissive, 58 moderate, and 24 strict. This gives you a general sense of how tightly regulated daily life is in Snellville compared to other cities.

Rules can change, and enforcement varies. Always verify specific requirements with the city directly before making major decisions like building a fence, listing on Airbnb, or starting a home business.

Also Moving Nearby?