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Atlanta, GA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Code of Ordinances § 74-513(a)(3)
Retention requirement
First 1.0 inch of rainfall on-site
Rank among practices
Third of four ranked options
Enforcing agency
Department of Watershed Management
Max civil penalty
$2,500 per violation per day

Summary

Atlanta's post-development stormwater code lists rainwater harvesting and reuse among four ranked green infrastructure practices developers must prioritize to meet the city's runoff-reduction standard, which requires retaining the first inch of rainfall on-site for new development and major redevelopment.

(3) The applicant shall prioritize stormwater management measures used to meet the runoff reduction standard in the following order: a. Vegetated infiltration BMPs: bioretention, stormwater planters, etc. b. Permeable pavements. c. Green roofs, rainwater harvesting and reuse, and lined bioretention or lined stormwater planters. d. Infiltration practices installed underground, specifically dry wells, modified french drains, and similar practices.

Source: Atlanta DWMView official code

Full Breakdown

Atlanta's stormwater code requires new development and major redevelopment to retain the first inch of rainfall on-site under Sec. 74-513(a). Developers meeting that runoff-reduction standard must work through a ranked list of green infrastructure practices, and rainwater harvesting and reuse sits third, after vegetated infiltration BMPs and permeable pavement, ahead of underground infiltration. The rule applies citywide, including single-family projects under Sec. 74-504(b), and is administered by the Department of Watershed Management, which reviews stormwater management plans before issuing a development permit.

Violations & Fines

Developing without an approved stormwater management plan, or failing to install the required runoff-reduction measures, triggers a stop-work order, permit revocation, and civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation per day under Sec. 74-522.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Atlanta require homeowners to install a rain barrel or cistern?
No. The code lists rainwater harvesting and reuse as one of several optional stormwater practices developers can use to meet the runoff-reduction standard, not a standalone mandate for every property.
Does this rule apply to single-family homes in Atlanta?
Yes, for larger projects. Sec. 74-504(b) applies the runoff-reduction standard in Sec. 74-513(a) to single-family development that adds 500 square feet or more of impervious surface.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Atlanta

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All Atlanta rules

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