Brookhaven, GA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Brookhaven Code § 27-702 allows the composting of landscape waste, meaning grass clippings, leaves and chipped brush, and food waste, meaning discarded fruits, vegetables and grains, as an accessory use in residential zoning districts. The rest of the section sets the standards.

Source limits come first. Under subsection (b), only landscape waste generated from plants grown and maintained on the subject lot is composted, though owners are free to add outside materials or ingredients to speed decomposition. Under (c), only food waste from food preparation or consumption by residents of the lot and their visitors is composted, and meat products are prohibited in residential compost bins.

Container and setback rules follow. Under (d), all food waste goes in rodent-resistant compost bins, and those bins are prohibited in front and rear yards and must be set back at least ten feet from all lot lines. Under (e), a landscape waste compost pile cannot exceed 125 cubic feet in volume or five feet in height. Under (f), landscape waste piles must also sit at least ten feet from all lot lines, and a pile that is not inside a rodent-resistant bin must be at least 30 feet from all dwelling units on abutting lots. Subsection (g) allows only animal waste from herbivores in piles or bins, and (h) states that burning of compost piles is not allowed.

Because the section is part of the zoning ordinance, Community Development enforces it, and the community development director runs the remedies listed in article XI.