Brookhaven, GA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Brookhaven Code § 27-818
- Front yard parking
- Only on a driveway, roofed carport or enclosed garage
- Paving cap
- No more than 35 percent of front area between street and house
- Circular driveways
- Approaches at least 20 feet apart, five feet from side lines
- Ribbon driveway tracks
- Each wheel track at least two and one-half feet wide
- RM and O&I districts
- Parking prohibited in front setbacks
Summary
In the City of Brookhaven, Georgia, parking in the front yard of a single family detached dwelling is prohibited except on a driveway, in a roofed carport or in an enclosed garage. Under § 27-818, no more than 35 percent of the area between the street right-of-way line and the front of the house can be paved.
(a)Parking is prohibited in front setbacks in RM and O&I districts.(b)Parking is prohibited in front yards of single family detached dwellings, except on a driveway, or in a roofed carport or enclosed garage. No more than 35 percent of the total area between the street right-of-way line and the front of a single family detached dwelling may be paved.(c)Circular driveways are permitted only on lots with adequate width to ensure that driveway approaches on the subject lot are spaced at least 20 feet apart and that all parts of the driveway are set back at least five feet from side property lines. Circular driveway where permitted, are subject to the driveway coverage limits of this section.(d)Ribbon driveways that consist of two wheel tracks with turf or ground cover plantings in the median between wheel tracks are allowed to serve detached houses, attached houses and two-flats.
Full Breakdown
Brookhaven Code § 27-818 governs parking in setbacks and yards. Subsection (a) prohibits parking in front setbacks in RM and O&I districts. Subsection (b) covers single family detached dwellings: parking is prohibited in the front yard except on a driveway, or in a roofed carport or enclosed garage, and no more than 35 percent of the total area between the street right-of-way line and the front of the dwelling can be paved. A car on the lawn or on a gravel pad beside the driveway is therefore a violation, and widening the driveway is limited by the paving cap.
Subsection (c) sets the test for circular driveways. They are permitted only on lots with adequate width to ensure that driveway approaches on the lot are spaced at least 20 feet apart and that all parts of the driveway are set back at least five feet from side property lines. A circular driveway that is permitted still counts against the driveway coverage limits of the section.
Subsection (d) offers a lower-impact option. Ribbon driveways, made of two wheel tracks with turf or ground cover plantings in the median, are allowed to serve detached houses, attached houses and two-flats. Each wheel track must be surfaced in compliance with the parking article and be at least two and one-half feet wide. The planted median between the tracks is not counted as impervious area if it is planted and maintained with turf or other ground cover in pervious soils.
Recreational vehicles and trailers have their own yard rules in § 27-901, and commercial vehicles on residential lots fall under § 27-900. Community Development enforces the ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Parking in a prohibited front yard is a zoning violation under § 27-1221. Each day it continues after notice from the city counts as a separate violation under § 27-1222, with a separate citation for each. Under § 27-1224 the city can issue a citation requiring the owner to appear in municipal court, and under § 27-1223 the community development director can withhold permits until the violation is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on my front lawn in Brookhaven?
How much of my Brookhaven front yard can be paved?
Are circular driveways allowed in Brookhaven?
Does Brookhaven allow ribbon driveways?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brookhaven
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