Before You Build in Stonecrest, GA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Stonecrest's Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27), adopted from DeKalb County's framework, sets fence height limits for residential zones. Typical limits: 4 feet in front yards; 6 feet in rear and side yards. Contact Planning and Zoning for exact standards in specific zoning districts.

Fence installation in Stonecrest requires a building permit from the Building Department. Permits are submitted through the CitizenServe Online Portal. Contact the Building Department: 770-224-0200 or via stonecrestga.gov/158.

Georgia common law applies in Stonecrest: fences must be on the owner's property. No city ordinance requires neighbor consent before installing a fence. Boundary disputes are civil matters. A survey is recommended before installation to confirm property lines.

Stonecrest pools must comply with Georgia Residential Code (IRC) pool barrier requirements. Pools deeper than 24 inches require a fully enclosing 48-inch minimum barrier. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Building permits required from the Stonecrest Building Department.

Pool safety in Stonecrest is governed by the Georgia Residential Code and NEC. All pool electrical work must be permitted and inspected. VGB-compliant drain covers are federally required. Pools must be properly maintained to prevent mosquito breeding per DeKalb County health codes.

Above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches in Stonecrest must meet the same 48-inch barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Pool walls of 48+ inches may serve as the barrier if ladders are removed or secured when not in use. Building permits required.

ADUs in Stonecrest are regulated by the Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27), adopted from DeKalb County's framework. ADU standards include: max 900 sq ft, max height less than 24 feet, qualifying residential districts required. Contact Planning and Zoning for current specific standards.

Garage conversions to living space or an ADU in Stonecrest require a building permit from the Building Department. Must comply with Georgia Residential Code (IRC) for insulation, egress, HVAC, and electrical. ADU rules apply if creating a separate unit. Apply via citizenserve.com.

Stonecrest treats carports as accessory structures and as parking structures under Chapter 27 of the Zoning Ordinance. Detached carports must sit in the rear yard, meet the side and rear setbacks of the underlying district (or 10 feet, whichever is less, on the side, and not closer than 10 feet to a rear lot line), and not exceed 24 feet in height or the height of the principal structure. A roofed carport is one of the few parking placements explicitly allowed in a single-family front yard under Section 6.1.3.B. Building permits issued through the CitizenServe portal.

Storage sheds in Stonecrest are regulated under the Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27) and Building Code. Sheds must be placed in rear or side yards, meet setback requirements, and not exceed lot coverage limits. Building permits required for sheds over 144 sq ft — apply via CitizenServe.

Outdoor burning in Stonecrest is governed by GAEPD Rule 391-3-1-.02(5) and the Georgia Forestry Commission permit system. A free GFC burn permit is required for most outdoor fires. Summer Open Burn Ban runs May 1–Sept 30 in DeKalb County. DeKalb County Fire and Rescue has jurisdiction.

Recreational fire pits are generally permitted in Stonecrest residential areas in contained, non-combustible structures. Fires must be attended at all times, kept small, and extinguished before leaving. Summer Open Burn Ban (May 1–Sept 30) may restrict open fires during those months.

Stonecrest's tree-trimming regulations follow state standards and the City's Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27). Significant pruning of protected trees may require a permit from the Building Department. ISA/ANSI A300 pruning standards are recommended for all tree work in Georgia.

Tree removal in Stonecrest requires a permit from the Building Department for protected trees and development projects. Stonecrest adopted its tree standards from DeKalb County's framework (Ch. 27, Landscaping). Apply through the CitizenServe portal. Contact: 770-224-0200.

Stonecrest is served by DeKalb County Watershed Management. Georgia Water Stewardship Act (2010) outdoor watering schedule applies. During EPD drought declarations (Level 1–4), outdoor watering is progressively restricted. Check DeKalb County Water for current status.